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Teacher Materials of 33God’s Plan of Redemption Through History

God’s Plan of Redemption Through History

Lesson 1: The Worldwide Flood, What does it Mean?

Key Verse: Galatians 4:4-5. "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons."

Goals and Objectives:q To note evidences of the historical accuracy of the Bible.q To learn how God directed the events of history in order to redeem mankind from

the penalty and effects of sin.q To increase our awareness of the unique relationship between God and Israel

throughout history.q To learn the historical background and foundational principles of Judeo-Christian

values

Main Idea:Noah’s experience of the flood shows how God is working through the events of history to redeem mankind and all of creation from the curse that came about as a result of Adam’s sin.

Background:While the Bible is not a comprehensive textbook of history, it is a selective history. It records Jehovah God's sovereign control over history and people, particularly the Jewish nation, in order to save mankind from their sin problem. From the very beginning, God promised in the Genesis 3:15 to break Satan's hold over mankind through "the seed of the woman"

Motivation:There is an old fable about a man who watched an ant struggling to carry a piece of food that was far too large. As he struggled, his fellow ants looked on helplessly not knowing what to do. Of course, the man knew that the answer was to simply divide the particle into smaller pieces so that the group could accomplish what the one could not.

The man got down on his knees and softly spoke to the ant. No change. He yelled. Still no change. He even took a clod of dirt and broke it up and scattered the pieces among the ants. Still, there was no real communication. "How can I possibly help the little ant know how easy it would be to solve his problem so that his burden was not impossible to carry?" he thought.

Finally, the man realized that if he could become an ant, he would be able to share his insight and help the little creatures. And so, that is what he did. As an ant, he was able to communicate to them on their level, using ant language. He was tiny like they were, so they trusted him. It took only a minute for him to accomplish his goal.

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Soon he saw the whole colony cooperating to bring in the store of food that would see them through the winter.

Bible Study:Divide the class into small groups to study the main headings below. Each group should prepare to summarize the main events in the story as well as answer the questions. During the time students are sharing with the entire class, suggest that they consider any similarities life at the time of Noah had to the present. Where there similar issues and actions among the people then?

I The inhabitants of the world at the time of the flood were sinful. Read Genesis 6:5-7, 11.

A How does the scripture describe mankind just prior to the flood? ("Every inclination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only evil all the time." full of violence, corrupt)

B What was God's feeling about what He observed? (He was grieved, His heart was filled with pain. This could be compared to how a parent feels when a child chooses a lifestyle that goes against all that he has been taught.)

II God justly determined to punish sin. Read Genesis 6:7-13.A What did God determine to do? (He decided to destroy mankind and the

animals.)

B Do you think He was justified in His decision to destroy all life on the earth? Why or Why not? (Students may initially feel that the punishment was too extreme. It should be pointed out that God had created everything, so as creator, he has the right to control it even to the point of destroying all that he had made. Also, it was man's decisions that brought society to such an evil condition. Romans 1:21-32 shows how man progressed by degrees into abandoning God and His standards for behavior. They gave up the blessings of fellowship with Him, for sensual, evil, and self-destructive behaviors. Mankind without restraint will always progress toward evil. Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse-tung are 20th century examples. Others include the violence experienced in our society today such as school shootings, abortion, spousal and child abuse, drug cartels, etc.)

III God controlled the forces of nature with His sovereign power. Read Genesis 6:19-21; 7:6-23. List examples of God's control of natural forces in the account of flood.

A 7:15. The animals came to him.

B The springs of the great deep burst forth and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.

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C Water covered the whole earth. The mountains were under 20 feet of water.

D 8:2. Just as the rains began on command, they also stopped on command.

IV God mercifully saved a righteous remnant. Read Genesis 6:8-22.A Why did God choose to save Noah's family?

1 Genesis 6:9. (Noah was blameless, righteous, and walked with God.)

2 Hebrews 11:7. (Noah obeyed God even though there was nothing in his experience to indicate the need for a boat. Many believe, based on the statement in Genesis 2:6, that a mist covered the entire earth so that Noah had never experienced rain. The mist provided an even, moderate climate all over the world, a sort of greenhouse. It was only after the "floodgates of the heavens" opened that there was variation in the climate. Based on the ages of Noah given in Genesis 5:32 and 7:6, we can deduce that Noah and his family worked at building the ark for nearly 100 years. His sons were born after he was 500 years old and the flood began when he was 600. )

B What did Noah do that showed his righteous character? (He obeyed God by building the ark. He built it according to God's plan. His sons, as well as their wives, cooperated and entered the ark as directed. These are strong indications of an obedient and submissive heart that Noah was able to pass on to his children.)

C Was God's mercy limited to just Noah and his family? Explain. (It included all the birds and animals as well. God had Noah build a vessel large enough to house a reproducing pair of all the animals and his family, plus the food they would need for the duration of the flood. In preserving the life of the animals, God also made provision for food and clothing for future inhabitants of the earth. )

Stretch and Run:Review the main points of the Bible study. Do you see similarities to present day life? What are they? What do you think God is feeling regarding what He observes in our world today?

Do the following activity in groups of 3-5 students. After a few minutes of discussion have each group share their work with the class.

In view of the story of how God judged sin by the flood and the similarities you have found to life today, determine how you could use the slogan "Get on the Boat" to witness to an unsaved friend. Prepare a role play in which one or more people in your group is witnessing to the other on this theme. Use information from the story of Noah in your explanation of the plan of salvation.

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Lesson 1 Student Handout : Noah’s Flood Shows God’s Justice and Mercy

Key Verse: Galatians 4:4-5. "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons."

Main Idea: Noah’s experience of the flood shows how God is working through the events of history to redeem mankind and all of creation from the curse that came about as a result of Adam’s sin.

Background: The story of the worldwide flood with Noah as the central character, is familiar to us. There is both scientific and cultural evidence of this flood. At the Grand Canyon, one can find fossils of sea animals on the rim. The presence of huge deposits of animal and plant remains, buried, and changed under great pressure to coal and oil, indicate a cataclysmic event such as a flood. On the cultural side, according to the Ryrie Study Bible notes on Genesis 7:19, there are 270 known stories of a worldwide flood from locations all over the world. For example, both the Navajo and Hopi Indians of the American Southwest have stories of a flood that destroyed everything. The Hopi story even indicates that the reason for the flood was the wickedness of the people.

Bible Study: Read the applicable sections of the account of the Flood in Genesis 6-8 and answer the following question. As you study, try to determine any similarities between the time of Noah and the present.

V The inhabitants of the world at the time of the flood were sinful. Read Genesis 6:5-7, 11.

A How does the scripture describe mankind just prior to the flood?

B What was God's feeling about what He observed?

VI God justly determined to punish sin. Read Genesis 6:7-13.A What did God determine to do?

B Do you think He was justified in His decision to destroy all life on the earth? Why or Why not?


VII God controlled the forces of nature with His sovereign power. Read Genesis 6:19-21; 7:6-23. List examples of God's control of natural forces in the account of flood.

A 7:15.

B

C

VIII God mercifully saved a righteous remnant. Read Genesis 6:8-22.A Why did God choose to save Noah's family based on the following verses?

1 Genesis 6:9.

2 Hebrews 11:7.

B What did Noah do that showed his righteous character?

C Was God's mercy limited to just Noah and his family? Explain.

Stretch and Run: Review the main points of the Bible study. Do you see similarities to present day life? What are they? What do you think God is feeling regarding what He observes in our world today?

Do the following activity in groups of 3-5 students. After a few minutes of discussion have each group share their work with the class.

In view of the story of how God judged sin by the flood and the similarities you have found to life today, determine how you could use the slogan "Get on the Boat" to witness to an unsaved friend. Prepare a role play in which one or more people in your group is witnessing to the other on this theme. Use information from the story of Noah in your explanation of the plan of salvation.



Lesson 2: God calls a Man to Establish a Nation.

Key Verse: If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Main Idea: God's promises to Abraham continued God's plan to redeem us. He worked through the descendants of Abraham, the Jews, to send Jesus, His Son, as the sacrifice for our sin. Our faith in God, like Abraham's, results in our salvation from the curse of sin.

Goals and Objectives:q To observe in the history of the Jewish nation how completely God keeps His

promises.q To observe God's sovereign power in His control of history to bring salvation to

mankind.q To trace the effects of God's covenant with Abraham through the history of the

world, noting how that covenant applies to the Gospel message today.

Warm-Up:Brainstorm some examples of covenants that we use today. It will help if you define the word “covenant” to mean the same thing as “contract.” More important contracts and agreements are still called covenants, such as the covenant of marriage. Discuss what makes a contract reliable. (A contract is really only as good as the trustworthiness of the individuals making it.) Make the transition to the Bible study by remarking, “Our study involves a contract God made with a man about 4000 years ago. It is still in force. Recent history shows that God is still keeping His promises to Abraham. As believers, we are also a part of the covenant.

Bible Study:As you read and answer the questions below, have the students fill in the chart on the student handout. IX The Abrahamic Covenant: Past, Present and Future.A Read Genesis 12:2-3 and list below the four promises God made to Abraham.

1 To make Abraham's descendants a great nation.2 To make Abraham's name great.3 To bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him.4 All people on earth will be blessed through Abraham.


B Below are instances of how God has fulfilled His promises to Abraham.

1 Promise 1: Abraham's descendants would become a great nation. What is Israel's status and influence in the world today? (Israel is one of the most influential countries of the world. She also experiences many conflicts because of the continuing claims of Arab countries to the territories they consider to have been taken from them unjustly.)

2 Promise 2: Abraham's name would be great. What are some evidences of the greatness of Abraham's descendants?

a Judaism, Christianity and Islam claim to have originated with Abraham.

b Semitic (Arabic) nations control a great part of the petroleum of the world.

3 Promise 3: God would bless those who blessed Abraham and curse those who cursed him. What are some signs of God's blessings and curses on nations related to their treatment of the Jews?

a The Babylonian, Persian and Roman Empires ceased to exist.b Israel became a nation and continues to thrive against incredible

odds. The history of Israel illustrates how God is in control of history to

carry out His plan. Israel ceased to exist as a nation in 70 AD when a Roman army under the command of Titus broke through the fortification of the city of Jerusalem. A five-month siege left the city ruined. The three towers on the northwest corner of the wall were all that were left. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the Temple was taken apart brick by brick in order to reclaim the gold plating on the interior walls. After a Jewish uprising in 135 AD, the Romans forbade Jews to even enter Jerusalem. The Jewish people were scattered throughout Europe and the Middle-east.

It was not until after World War II that the Jewish people returned to the Holy Land. At first, survivors of the Holocaust returned to find a place to live. In 1947, the United Nations granted the Jews control of 5,500 square miles of the land, displacing thousands of Palestinians. That decree initiated a series of battles in which the Jewish army won control of their territory by fighting against their stronger and better equipped Arabic neighbors. Israel became established as a nation and began the task of rebuilding a desolate wasteland into a productive and stable country. Perhaps the most noteworthy example of God's intervention on the part of the Jews is the Six-day War of 1967. In six days, Israel destroyed or disabled the air and ground forces of Egypt,


Syria, and Jordan. They acquired the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights and the city of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the only remains of the Temple. God miraculously enabled the Jewish people to regain control of the Promised Land after nearly two centuries.

4 Promise 4: All people on the earth would be blessed by Abraham. What is one way in which all nations of the earth are blessed through Abraham's descendants?

a Jesus, the Savior, came through the Jewish nation. His original disciples were Jews.

b God has used the Jewish nation as His chosen people to provide salvation to all nations.

Stretch and Run: Look at the four promises God made to Abraham. State how the promises are being fulfilled today and how you benefit from those promises.

Promise 1. When I witness the history of Israel, my faith is built up because I can see that God has kept his promises to Abraham and other leaders of Israel. The fact that Israel is now a nation again, leads me to believe that Christ is coming soon.

Promise 2. The fact that three major world religions trace their roots to Abraham leads me to believe the account of his life is true. There is a common ancestry among the Arabs and Jews of the Middle East. Also there are numerous common beliefs in the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These facts encourage me to believe the truth of scripture.

Promise 3. God looks out for the Jews. I should love and pray for Jewish people in general and for any Jewish friends I may have. I should also pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for God to prosper the nation of Israel. I want to be among those who bless Israel.

Promise 4. Bless all Nations. The greatest blessing any person can have is to be saved by Jesus Christ. I should do my part to see that the gospel is spread around the world.

Have each student fill in the promissory note on the student handout as if it were made between God and him, with God being “party of the first part." Then discuss the resulting covenant using questions like these: What has God promised you as your part of the Abrahamic Covenant? You become a participant in the Abrahamic Covenant when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. What does He ask of you? What do you feel when you realize how faithful God has been in keeping His promises to Abraham and that those promises include you?




Lesson 2 Student Handout: God Establishes a Nation

Key Verse: If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Main Idea: God's promises to Abraham continued God's plan to redeem us. He worked through the descendants of Abraham, the Jews, to send Jesus, His Son, as the sacrifice for our sin. Our faith in God, like Abraham's, results in our salvation from the curse of sin.

X Record on the chart below what God promised Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3. Key words are given in the first box for each promise.

The Promise How it has been fulfilled Its benefit to me

Make

Name

Bless



All people

Stretch and Run: Fill in this promissory note as if it were made between God and you, with God being “party of the first part." What has God promised you as your part of the Abrahamic Covenant? You become a participant in the Abrahamic Covenant when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. What does He ask of you?


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Promissory Note I, __________________________, party of the first part, agree to ________________

___________________________ for _________________________, party of the

second part, in exchange for _____________________________________.By signing this covenant, I agree that it cancels out any past agreement between

the above named parties. I further agree that no changes may be made to this agreement without the consent and signature of both parties.

The terms of this covenant are understood and accepted as stated.

Party of the first part. _____________________________ Date ________________

Party of the second part. __________________________ Date ________________



Lesson 3: Moses Leads a Nation from Slavery.

Key Verse: John 3:14-15. “Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”

Main Idea: Moses' experiences with God demonstrate His plan and procedure to deliver mankind from the penalty and effects of sin.

Goals and Objectives:q To learn that God sovereignly calls, preserves and redeems His people from

slavery.q To observe how the story of the brazen serpent relates to God's plan to provide

salvation to mankind through Jesus' death on the cross

Historic Background:Abraham passed on his knowledge of God to his son Isaac, who passed it on to

Jacob. Jacob's name was changed to Israel after an encounter with God in which the covenant God made with his grandfather was repeated and applied to Jacob. The twelve sons of Jacob were the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel, by which the nation was organized and the territory of the Holy Land was divided.

Under the leadership of Jacob's son Joseph, Jacob and his whole family settled in Egypt during a severe famine. They remained there for 400 years until sins of the Amorites had become evil enough to deserve their destruction. (Genesis 15:16) During that four hundred years the 70 people who entered Egypt with Jacob became very numerous. Numbers 1:46 states there were 600,000 men above the age of 20. It is possible there were as many as 3,000,000 Israelites at the time of the Exodus. In fact, the reason they were enslaved and mistreated by the Egyptians was because they feared the Israeliste would become so strong they would form an alliance with Egypt's enemy and leave the land. (Exodus 1:10)

It was in the midst of that persecution that God sent Moses to lead the people out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

Warm up:Students will work in groups to prepare an advertising poster for a travel agency

offering a tour to the Hebrew slaves. The purpose of the tour is to escape slavery and go to the Promised Land where they will be able to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In addition to their imaginations, they may use information from Exodus and Numbers as well as their knowledge of the events surrounding the Exodus.


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Bible Study:

XI God preserved and prepared His people in accordance with His covenant with Abraham. Read Exodus 1:1-22.

A What was the condition of the nation of Israel at the time of Moses’ call by God? 1 According to Exodus 2:23-24, what was the emotional and spiritual

condition of the people? (They were in distress because of their slavery. They prayed and groaned to God.)

2 What was God’s response to the people? See Exodus 2:25. (He looked on them and was concerned.)

B According to Galatians 4:8, what is one’s condition if he does not know God? (We are slaves to those who by nature are not gods.)

XII God supernaturally delivered His people from slavery to a foreign power. He does the same for people today. Divide the class into buzz groups of four to five. Assign one of the questions below to each group. Provide the list of scripture passages for them to read and interpret in order to answer the questions.

A When did God choose Moses? Was it at the burning bush or before? Support your opinion.

1 Exodus 2:1-11. Hebrews 11:23.(Moses was protected and hidden by his mother, found by the princess, and raised in the Egyptian court. God engineered these events to save the life of Moses.)

B Describe Moses’ preparation and call to be the deliverer of Israel. Survey Exodus 1-5 to learn the answers.

1 Describe Moses’ education and training from childhood to the time of his flight to Midian. See Exodus 2:1-15. (Moses was trained in Jewish tradition and religion by his mother who was hired by Pharaoh’s daughter to nurse him. Then, he was trained in the wisdom and knowledge of the Egyptians as a prince.)

2 Describe how God got Moses’ attention in the wilderness.

3 What did God ask Moses to do?

C How does God work in the lives of people today? Find key words and phrases in Ephesians 1:11-13 and determine if His work now is similar to how He worked with Moses.


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XIII Our need and God’s plan today are similar to those of Israel in the wilderness.

A Read the story of the brazen serpent in Numbers 21:4-9. Then, answer the following questions.

1 What attitude did the people have before and after the God sent the serpents into the camp? They complained and rebelled against God and His appointed leader Moses. When they began to die from snakebites, they repented and confessed their sin and asked Moses to intercede for them.

2 What were the results when the people looked at the serpent? Their lives were saved.

B Read the key verse, John 3:14. How did Jesus interpret this event? He said that He was like the bronze serpent. Anyone who looked up to Him would be saved, eternally. The teacher should draw the parallels in the conditions of the unfaithful Israelites to the unsaved person of today. We are dying without the provision God has made for our salvation. It was faith that made the Israelites look at the brazen serpent so they could live. It is faith that causes us to look to Jesus’ death on the cross as the means of our salvation.

C What are some similarities between the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness and a person who is in rebellion against God?

1 Israel was in rebellion against God. They needed to be saved from death when snakes that God sent into the camp bit them.

2 We are in rebellion against God from birth. We need God’s salvation to keep us from eternal death.

Action Point: Have the students make a sketch that illustrates John 3:14-15. Consider the ways in which Jesus can be “lifted up”, the ways that He can “draw all men”, and how He gives eternal life. Include both pictures and words. Ask volunteers to share their drawings with the class.


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Lesson 3 Student Handout: Moses and God’s Plan to Deliver Men from Slavery.Key Verse: John 3:14-15. “Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”

Main Idea: Moses' experiences with God demonstrate His plan and procedure to deliver mankind from the penalty and effects of sin.

Goals and Objectives:q To learn that God sovereignly calls, preserves and redeems His people from slavery.q To observe how the story of the brazen serpent relates to God's plan to provide

salvation to mankind through Jesus' death on the cross

Bible Study:In the columns below, record answers to the key questions from the lesson.

Israel In Egypt Citizens of the Twenty First CenturyThe Condition of the PeopleDescribe the condition of the people of Israel at the time of Moses’ birth. (Exodus 2:23-24)

The PreparationWhen was Moses chosen by God?(Exodus 2:1-11; Hebrews 11:23)

Describe Moses’ education and training as God’s deliverer of His people.(Exodus 2:1-11)

The Condition of all PeopleDescribe the condition of a person born into the world today. (Galatians 4:8)

The PreparationDescribe how God works in the lives of people today. (Ephesians 1:11-13)



Their SalvationRead Number 21:4-9 to determine how God provided for the salvation of His people.

Why did they need salvation?

What was God’s provision for the salvation of His people?

Our SalvationRead John 3:14-18 to determine how God provides for our salvation today.

Why do we need salvation?

What is God’s provision for our salvation?

Action Point:In the space below make a sketch that illustrates John 3:14-15. Consider the ways in which Jesus can be “lifted up”, the ways that He can “draw all men”, and how He gives eternal life. Include both pictures and words. Share your drawing with the class.



God's Plan of Redemption Through History

Lesson 4: Gideon, The Cycle of Sin can be Broken in God’s Power Alone

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Main Idea: Unless we give God complete control of our lives, we will be drawn repeatedly into sin.

Goals and Objectives: q To witness the repeated cycle of sin and deliverance experienced during the period of

the judges in Israel and in the lives of many believers.q To observe God's plan and power to break the cycle as we examine Gideon's

experience as a deliverer of the people of Israel.q To apply principles observed in Gideon's experience to our relationship with God so that

we may experience victory over temptation and sin.

Background Information:Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and into the

wilderness. They slowly traveled to Mt. Sinai where God gave Moses the Law and the instructions to build the Tabernacle. Moses followed God's commands as he instituted the priesthood who led in the first Passover with its sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin. About two years after the Israelites left Egypt, they camped at Kadesh-barnea and sent twelve spies into the Promised Land. All the spies were agreed that it was a good land, "flowing with milk and honey." In their reports to the people, ten of them emphasized the "giants in the land" and the impossibility of defeating the Canaanites because of their well-equipped armies and fortified cities. Only Joshua and Caleb communicated a belief in the power of God to fulfill His promise that the descendants of Abraham would conquer and reside there. As a result, Israel was judged and condemned to nearly 40 years of life in the wilderness, until all the adults who had doubted God died. (Numbers 14:20-24)

God appointed Joshua to lead the people in the conquest of the land. Using Joshua and the Hebrew army, God cleansed the land of most of the evil and idolatrous nations who had lived there since before Abraham. Beginning with the demonstration of His power by the collapse of the walls of Jericho, God delivered the cities, fortifications and all, into Jewish control. As the territory was conquered, it was divided up among the twelve tribes.

As Joshua neared the end of his life, he challenged the Israelites with these words from Joshua 23:11-13:

“So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God. For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before



you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you."

The book of Judges is a record of the consequences of Israel's failure to adhere to Joshua's prophetic warning. They began to associate with the remaining Canaanite people. They intermarried with them and began to worship their gods. They fell into the traps that God had warned them about, and they suffered His judgment as a result.

Warm-up: Janice came home from the retreat determined to improve her spiritual life. The

speakers had urged those at the retreat to be diligent in having prayer and Bible study time every day. God convicted her about some of the questionable words that had entered her vocabulary lately. There were also some CD's in her music collection that didn't really measure up to the standards she knew would be pleasing to God.

For the first few weeks, things went well. She got up early to have time for devotions. As she prayed about her speech, God helped her to control herself and she was making real progress in getting those bad words out. She had even set aside some CD's to trade for some that were more acceptable.

But, then came finals week. She was too exhausted to get up after studying late every night. Plus there was that party on Friday night after finals. Who wouldn't want to have some fun after a week of hard work? Slowly, she found that her language was slipping and one after another of the CD's found their way back into her collection instead of being traded in. One morning as she lay in bed, Janice realized that she was right back where she had been before the retreat. "Can't I ever make any real progress?" she thought dejectedly.

Bible Study:XIV Israel experienced failure and judgment as the result of their interaction with

the Canaanite nations. Have one student read Judges 2:6-23 while the others listen carefully to find answers to the following questions. Instruct the class that they are to do a “treasure hunt” for the answers. When anyone hears the answer to a question, she is to call out, “treasure”. The reader will stop and the class will record the answer to the question.

A 10. When did Israel begin to be enticed by the gods of her neighbors?(After those who entered the land with Joshua had died.)

B 11-12. What did they do that was wrong?(The served the Baals, which were false gods, and they forsook God.

C Notice the cycle that is repeated throughout the period of the Judges as it is summarized in chapter 2, verses 13-19.1. v. 13. They served false gods.2. v. 14. God allowed enemies to hassle them in various ways.3. vv. 16, 18. God pitied them so He raised up judges to deliver them.4. v. 19. After each judge died, the people returned to idolatry.5. vv. 20-23. God did not drive out the enemy nations.6. Repeat.



XV Gideon’s experience illustrates God's power to deliver his people from their sin. ( Judges 6-8) Divide the class into groups to read the indicated passages of headings A, B, and C below. They should prepare to answer the questions, and report back to the entire class.

A God’s people have enemies. Read Judges 6:1-11 and answer these questions.1 Who was the enemy? (Midian)2 What did they do to Israel? (They destroyed their crops and livestock.)3 What did the people do? (They cried out to the Lord.)

B Describe God's response to the cries of the people in Judges 6:11-14.1 An angel appeared to Gideon calling him a great warrior.2 What did the Lord tell him to do? (Deliver Israel from the hand of Midian.)

C Why did God make Gideon decrease the army so drastically? Read Judges 7:1-8 (v. 2 indicates that wanted to be sure Israel didn't boast in their military power. The army had to be so small that their victory could only be explained by God's power.)

1 Describe the battle. Read Judges 7:16-22. 2 How many soldiers fought for Israel? (300)3 What were their weapons? (v. 16. trumpets, and torches inside empty

pitchers)4 What was the battle strategy? (vv. 18, 20. At the signal, the soldiers blew

the trumpets, and broke the pitchers so the torches shone, and cried out "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon.")

5 What was the result of the battle? (vv.21-22. The Midianite soldiers were so frightened they turned their weapons upon each other and ran. Total victory.)

D Teacher Note: God gave a great victory under the leadership of Gideon. But, did it last? According to Judges 8:32-35 after Gideon died, the people forgot God and returned to their idolatry

XVI The cycle of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's deliverance is often typical of the life of a believer.

A Describe what often happens in the life of a believer if he neglects his spiritual life.1 Right after conversion, he has intense fervor for the love of God.2 Bit by bit, he begins to compromise in his behavior and in his devotional life.3 He finds himself living much the way he did before he was saved.4 He realizes what has happened and repents.5 The cycle repeats itself unless he submits totally to the Lordship of Christ and

begins to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.B Demonstrate this cycle with a set of colored paper squares. Give individual or pairs

of students a set of colored paper in the following colors. Ask them to arrange the squares so they represent the stages of the cycle above. After a short time, have each person or group share with the class. The following is just a suggestion. The students may come up with some good variations. The following is a suggestion. The students may come up with some good variations.

1 Pink square: Life is good, joy, and fervor for the Lord.Copyright by New Wineskin Publications, 2000Permission to copy these pages for instructional purposes is granted to the original purchaser. Find additional materials like this at www.newwineskin.com


2 Gray square: Sliding into sin.3 Black square: Guilt, depression, a sense of failure.4 Green square: Repentance and progress renewed.

Stretch and Run:XVII The only way to break the cycle is to submit to the Lordship of Christ.A Why was Gideon able to win the battle? (He obeyed God totally and without

question.)

B Whose power was it that enabled Gideon and his 300 men to beat the Midianites? (God's alone. They were not even armed)

C Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. Discuss the following questions: 1 Are we capable of winning the battle against sin by our own efforts? 2 How can we win the battle against sin? 3 How does God enable us to have victory over temptation?

Have the students bow their heads and ask God to help them evaluate their lives. Tell them to let the Holy Spirit bring to mind areas of weakness or sin in which they are experiencing the cycle of defeat. Use questions like the following:1. Think about your life. Do you see a cycle of success and failure in one or more areas?

Which areas are most difficult for you to maintain?After some time for self-evaluation, discuss the following as a group. Help the students understand the futility of trying to reform in their own power. Encourage them to begin to live in the power of the Holy Spirit so they can overcome temptation in the areas in which they experience failure or weakness. Use questions like the following;

1. What causes you to repeat the same sins over and over? See Romans 6:6-11. (The problem is our sin nature. It must be crucified, reckoned as dead in order to break its power. We can have life only in Christ.)

2. In view of the study, how do you think you can get out of the cycle? See Romans 8:11 and Galatians 5:16. (The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will give life to our mortal bodies. If we walk in the Spirit, we will not do the deeds of the flesh.)

To the colored card squares used to illustrate the cycle of failure, add a yellow one and a white one. Ask the students to use the two new colors to demonstrate how they can break the cycle if they choose to let God control and empower them. (The yellow card, represents God's power to change and the white one, our hope of achieving Christ's righteousness in eternity. A holy life is possible only with the power of God.)


God's Plan of Redemption Through History

Lesson 4 Student Handout: Gideon and the Cycle of Sin

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Main Idea: Unless we give God complete control of our lives, we will be drawn repeatedly into sin.

XVIII Israel experienced failure and judgment as the result of their interaction with the Canaanite nations. As Judges 2:6-23 is read, record the steps in the cycle of sin.

A

B

C

D

E

FXIX Gideon’s experience illustrates God’s power to deliver his people from

their sin. In groups, read the scripture portion assigned and prepare to share answers to the questions with the class.

A Judges 6:1-11. Describe the situation in Israel. Who was the enemy? What did they do to Israel? How did Israel respond to their trouble?

B Judges 6:11-14. What was God’s response to the people when they cried out to Him? Describe God’s plan for conquering the Midianites.

C Judges 7:16-22. Describe the army of Israel, their battle strategy, and the results. How do you explain their success?



XX The cycle seen in Israel’s history is typical of our lives as well. Describe the course of events in the story of Janis that was told at the beginning of the lesson. How similar is your experience to hers?

A

B

C

D

E

Stretch and Run:Consider the following questions:1. Why was Gideon able to win the battle? Whose power gave the victory?

2. According to Romans 6:6-11, what causes us to repeat the same sins over andover?

3. Based on 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, are we capable of winning the battle against sin by our own efforts? Why or why not?

4. How can we win the battle against sin? Can we learn anything from Gideon’s experience. Consider Romans 8:11 and Galatians 5:16.

Summarize in your own words what you believe God’s Word teaches about breaking the cycle of sin in your life.



God's Plan of Redemption Through HistoryLesson 5: David, God’s Everlasting Covenant on the Heart

Key Verse: Jeremiah 31:33. "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

Goals and Objectives: o To examine how God's promise of an everlasting kingdom relates to current history

and to Jesus' second coming.o To see the attitudes and actions in David's life that pleased God.o To determine how we can please God and be used in His Kingdom the way David

was.

Main Idea: As we follow God's law written on our hearts we are able to live holy and fruitful lives.

Background: David was secretly anointed as king of Israel as a teenage sheep herder. When King Saul became tortured by evil spirits, David played music to soothe his mind and soul. Then some time later, David killed the giant Goliath, leading to a miraculous victory over the Philistines. The people began to chant, "Saul has killed this thousands, but David his ten thousands." Then as a result of his disobedience, God declared that the descendants of Saul would not rule Israel. He became very jealous of David and began to plan David’s death.

Saul's jealousy led to a series of incidents in which he tried to kill David. David was driven into the wilderness to live with his band of 600 men. While there, David and his men followed God's direction in guerrilla type attacks on Israel's enemies. They became a wall of protection for the Jews living in the more remote areas of the nation. It was in this period that the story of David and Abigail took place.

As David assumed the throne following Saul's death, God promised him an everlasting kingdom. (1 Chronicles 17:11-14) Had David's descendants remained faithful to God, there would still be a Davidic king in Israel today. However, by the end of his son Solomon’s reign, the Jews were already involved in idolatry and in alliances with nations that did not worship Jehovah. After Solomon, there were isolated periods of reform, but eventually Judah was conquered by Babylon and the literal Davidic kingdom ceased to exist. Jesus stated, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) It exists now in the hearts of believers. But when Jesus, a descendant of David, returns, he will set up his 1000 year reign in Jerusalem and literally fulfill the promise made to King David.

Warm Up: The teacher will share an example of an incident in which a person was mistreated. An example might be an incident in which you had worked very hard on a project. After the project was completed someone else took credit for it, not mentioning that you had contributed, let alone that you had done the majority of the work. Discuss how you might have felt and acted. This lesson deals with an incident in which David



was mistreated. His behavior shows both the temptation to sin and the appropriate response to conviction by the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study:Teacher Note: Lead the class to read and interpret the passage by acting out the elements of the story. The class should be divided into three groups, having three in each group. They are to read the entire story and then focus on the verses that relate to their part of the incident. Provide each group with a card of instructions that include key questions to be answered in the dramatization. Group members are to work together to develop a script that will present the core message of their particular focus in the passage.

XXI David was tempted. 1 Samuel 25.A Group 1. Unfair treatment leads to selfish action. Instructions: Read 1 Samuel

25 and then focus on verses 2-15. Prepare a dramatization that will help the class understand the following elements of the story.

1 Why did David feel confident that Nabal would give his men food? (Because David's men had protected Nabal's property. Such hospitality was also a part of their culture.)

2 Who actually approached Nabal? What did they say? (See verses 5-9.)3 What was Nabal's response to their request? (He refused their request.)

B Group 2. David's reaction is natural and expected. Instructions: You are to read 1 Samuel 25 and then focus on verses 9-13. Prepare a dramatization that will help the class understand the following elements of the story.

1 What was Nabal's answer to David's request? (He refused to allow them to come to the feast.)

2 How did David react to Nabal's answer? (See verse 13.)3 What emotion was he feeling? (Extreme anger)4

C Group 3. Abigail intercedes and prevents a disaster. Instructions: You are to read 1 Samuel 25 and then focus on verses 14-28. Prepare a dramatization that will help the class understand the following elements of the story.

1 What did Nabal's wife Abigail do?2 Summarize her appeal to David. (She was concerned that he maintain a

good reputation before the people. He should be a model for them.)

3 What did she persuade David to do? (She persuaded David to allow God to handle the vengeance on Nabal.)



XXII David's listened to godly advise. (verses 26-31)A What was David's first reaction when his men told him Nabal had refused his

request? (Verses 13, 21-22) He ordered his men to prepare for battle. He was on his way to kill Nabal and every male in his family.

B Whom did God send to intervene in David's plan? Abigail--a woman

C It is significant that David listened to Abigail. Women in that culture did not have the status they do in ours. They were often little more than servants.

D What were the main points in Abigail's appeal to David?1 Verse 26. God has restrained you from avenging yourself.2 Verse 28. As God's man you should not be found doing evil.3 Verse 29. God is both protecting you and defeating your enemies.4 Verses 30-31. Don't spoil your future reputation by being foolish now.

E When David changed his plan, whom did he give credit to? (Verses 32-34) He said that God had sent Abigail and that God restrained him.

XXIII David repented and walked away. (1 Samuel 25:31-35)

A How would you describe David's attitude after his conversation with Abigail?1. vv. 32-33. He realized his vengeance was wrong 2. v. 35, 39. As he granted her request he was actually submitting to

God.3. v. 39. He trusted God to avenge him.

Stretch and Run:B Consider how God confronts sin in your life. Discuss the following questions.

1. What was at the root of David's reaction to Nabal? (Self-centeredness)

2. Look at Abigail's message to David. Would those messages apply to you in a situation in which you felt you were being taken advantage of or mistreated?

3. God took care of Nabal. Can He do the same to those who treat you poorly? (Yes, God is fully capable of avenging wrongs done to His children. The vengeance may not be death, but God will see that justice is done. It is in His nature to do so.)

4. Is it possible for selfish retaliation to spoil your reputation as a Christian? How? Describe the damage that might be done if you take vengeance into your own hands.



God's Plan of Redemption Through HistoryLesson 5 Student Handout: David and God’s Everlasting Covenant on the Heart

Key Verse: Jeremiah 31:33. "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

Goals and Objectives: o To examine how God's promise of an everlasting kingdom relates to current history

and to Jesus' second coming.o To see the attitudes and actions in David's life that pleased God.o To determine how we can please God and be used in His Kingdom the way David

was.

Main Idea: As we follow God's law written on our hearts we are able to live holy and fruitful lives.

Warm Up: Think of a time when you were unfairly treated because someone claimed credit for the hard work you had done on a project. How did you feel about that? David had a similar situation. The story is in 1 Samuel 25. As we study it, we will determine how God wants us to deal with situations in which we are unfairly treated.

Bible Study:XXIV David was tempted. 1 Samuel 25:2-28. Describe the situation and David’s

reaction to it.

XXV David listened to godly advise. 1 Samuel 25:26-35.A Whom did God send to intervene in David’s plan for vengeance?

B How did Abigail convince him to restrain himself?



C When David changed his plan, to whom did he give the credit?

XXVI David repented and walked away. 1 Samuel 25:31-35. Describe the change in David’s attitude after his conversation with Abigail.

Stretch and Run:

After discussing and thinking about this experience of David’s, consider similar situations you face in your life.

· How do you feel like responding?· Is it possible for selfish retaliation to spoil your reputation as a Christian?

How?· Do you have any resources in your life that can do for you what Abigail did

for David? List them.


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Lesson 6: Nehemiah, A Man who Kept his Focus

Key Verse: Nehemiah 6:15-16. “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Goals and Objectives:· To identify the kinds of distractions that will keep us from doing the work God has

for us to do.· To observe in Nehemiah’s experience the ways he handled distractions.· To develop a strategy for resisting the distractions in our lives.

Main Idea: If we resist the many distractions that come into our lives, we will be able to accomplish far more for the kingdom of God than if we allow our minds and hearts to be side-tracked.

Materials Needed: A wastebasket and numerous paper wads.

Background:From the time of Solomon, about 950 BC, until the Babylonian captivity, Israel declined in her faithfulness to God. A civil war divided the nation after Solomon’s death. Israel, the northern kingdom, consisted of all the tribes except Benjamin and Judah. They separated from Judah, the southern kingdom, and established a place of idolatrous worship in Bethel. Under the leadership of such kings as Ahab, Israel declined very rapidly. God used the nation of Assyria to judge and conquer them from 734-721 BC. As a result of that conquest, the Jewish population of Israel was deported and they ceased to exist as a nation when they were assimilated into the Assyrian culture.

Judah, the southern kingdom, retained their worship of Jehovah longer as a result of the continuation of Temple ceremonies as well as the influence of several godly kings. But, eventually, they too became so involved in idolatry that God judged them. He sent Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to conquer and deport them over a period stretching from 606 to 586 BC.

The history of the Babylonian captivity is a testimony to the accuracy and inspiration of scripture. At the time of the first deportation of Israelites to Babylon, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to tell the Israelites to “build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce” because they would be there for a period of 70 years. (See Jeremiah 29: 5, 10.) The repatriation of the Jews to Israel began in 536 BC. In three waves, Jews were allowed to return to the Promised Land and given permission and the resources needed to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem.


28


The story of Nehemiah which covers the last of the three major returns to Israel, begins in approximately 444 BC. His mission was to lead the people living in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls around the city.

Warm-up: Choose one of the following warm-up activities.

Set up a wastebasket as a target. Blindfold the students one at a time and instruct each one to throw paper wads toward the basket. As each one throws, some will accidentally hit the target, but most will miss it entirely. Make the point that many distractions present themselves to us. Unless we keep focused on God and His plan for us, we will miss the target of living in a way that pleases God and allows us to bear fruit for His kingdom. (Idea taken from The Youth Worker’s Encyclopedia of Bible Teaching Ideas, Old Testament, published by Group, page 183.)

Do a role play of a student who has a paper to write. His friends call and come by asking him to do things with them. At first he says, “no”. But then a temptation comes that is just too attractive. He goes with a friend and doesn’t finish his paper.

After the activity, make a transition to the Bible study by having the students brainstorm some distractions they experience that keep them from focusing on God and serving Him.


29


XXVII Like Nehemiah, each of us is given a job to do for God. (2:11-18)A Describe the importance of Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding the wall.

1 The walls provided security from attack by enemies. The Ammonites and their allies continually harassed the Jews during the building of the walls. Obviously, they were interested in keeping Jerusalem an unfortified city.

2 The walls of Jerusalem provided a sense of identity for the Jews. While the walls were in rubble, they lacked unity and pride in their capital city. Jerusalem needed to be and to appear strong in order to serve as the center of Jewish life and religion. Imagine the difference it would make to a citizen of the city to see the walls strong and the gates able to be closed against enemies. Even today, a strong Jerusalem serves as both a symbol and the reality of a strong Jewish nation.

B Our task is two-fold.1 We are to become conformed to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29.)

What is the result of our being like Christ?a Within the body of believers? (We love and serve selflessly,

sharing ourselves and our resources to help supply the needs of others and to help every believer grow.)

b To the world at large? (The witness of a life that looks like Jesus will draw others into God’s kingdom.)

2 We are to serve a purpose in God’s kingdom. (Ephesians 2:8-10.) Name some of the tasks God has given us.

a Matthew 28:19-20. Evangelismb Ephesians 4:11-12. Build the Body of Christ.c Hebrews 13:15-16. Praise God and do good.

XXVIII Nehemiah had them, and we will too. Obstacles and distractions are parts of the plan. (2:19-20; 4:1-4, 7-8, 11-13)

A What were his physical limitations (He needed resources and transportation. We need time, talent, resources.)

B Was there an organization ready to build the wall? (No, Nehemiah had to be able to devise and carry out a plan. He also had to be able to lead and motivate other.)

C What kinds of enemies did Nehemiah experience that are like the ones we face when we try to do something for God? (Whenever a person begins to do a work for God, he will face battles.. The “enemies” may be inside or outside the body of Christ. They can even be ourselves at times.)

XXIX Obstacles and distractions can either weaken or sharpen our focus on God. It is our response to them that determine our success or failure.

A Assign groups of students to read the passages below to determine how Nehemiah responded when various types of problems came up. Ask each group to identify the problem and how he dealt with it.


30


1 Nehemiah 2:5-9. (God worked in the king’s heart so he gave Nehemiah permission to leave for an extended time. He also providd the building materials and safe passage.)

2 Skim chapter 3 and read chapter 4:15-21. (God gave him wisdom for organizing the people to do the work and later for defense.)

B Assign another group to describe Nehemiah’s relationship with God in these passages. Was he confident or not? What did he believe God could and would do for the people?

1 Nehemiah 1:5-11; 4:9-10,14, 20. (When Nehemiah was faced with a problem, his immediate response was to pray and lay the need before God. He believed God cared about the project and that God would enable the people to complete it.)

2 What was the result of Nehemiah’s dependence upon God? Nehemiah 6:15-16. (They completed the wall in 52 days.)

Stretch and Run: Lead the students in discussing questions like the following in order to help them identify how they, too, can deal with obstacles that threaten to distract them from how they want to be and what they want to do for God.

XXX Compare the distractions and obstacles you face with those Nehemiah did. A List some of the difficulties you face as a Christian who is trying to serve God

faithfully. How are your difficulties similar to those Nehemiah faced?

B How are they different?

C How can Nehemiah’s experience help you face your obstacles? Refer especially to the biblical passages studied in section II above.


31


Lesson 6 Student Handout: Nehemiah Kept his Focus

Key Verse: Nehemiah 6:15-16. “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Main Idea: If we resist the many distractions that come into our lives, we will be able to accomplish far more for the kingdom of God than if we allow our minds and hearts to be side-tracked.

Historical Background: The history of the Babylonian captivity is a testimony to the accuracy and inspiration of scripture. At the time of the first deportation of Israelites to Babylon, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to tell the Israelites to “build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce” because they would be there for a period of 70 years. (See Jeremiah 29: 5, 10.) The repatriation of the Jews to Israel began in 536 BC. In three waves, Jews were allowed to return to the Promised Land and given permission and the resources needed to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem.

The story of Nehemiah which covers the last of the three major returns to Israel, begins in approximately 444 BC. His mission was to lead the people living in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls around the city.

Bible Study:XXXI Like Nehemiah, each of us is given a job to do for God. (2:11-18)A Describe the importance of Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding the wall using the key

words below. 1 Security

2 Identity

B Our task is two-fold.1 We are to become conformed to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29.)

What is the result of our being like Christ?

2 We are to serve a purpose in God’s kingdom. (Ephesians 2:8-10.) Name some of the tasks God has given us.

a Matthew 28:19-20. b Ephesians 4:11-12. c Hebrews 13:15-16.

XXXII Nehemiah had them, and we will too. Obstacles and distractions are parts of the plan. (2:19-20; 4:1-4, 7-8, 11-13) Describe the difficulties Nehemiah and the workers faced.

A What were his physical limitations?

B Was there an organization ready to build the wall?

C Who were his enemies.

XXXIII Obstacles and distractions serve to keep us focused on God. It is our response to them that determine our success or failure.

A Read the passages below to determine how Nehemiah responded when various types of problems came up. Identify the problem and how he dealt with it.

1 Nehemiah 2:5-9.

2 Skim chapter 3 and read chapter 4:15-21.

B Describe Nehemiah’s relationship with God in these passages. Was he confident or not? What did he believe God could and would do for the people?

1 Nehemiah 1:5-11; 4:9-10,14, 20.

2 What was the result of Nehemiah’s dependence upon God? Nehemiah 6:15-16.

Stretch and Run: Compare the distractions and obstacles you face with those Nehemiah did. 1. List some of the difficulties you face in growing as a Christian and in serving God

faithfully. How are your difficulties similar to those Nehemiah faced?2. How are they different?3. How can Nehemiah’s experience help you face your obstacles? Refer especially to

the biblical passages studied in section II above.

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