Introduction
Memory Text: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NKJV).
God is
concerned about the salvation of the rich and the powerful as He is for that of
the weak and the needy. The Bible tells of people who were rich and powerful,
and how God used them to be a blessing to the nations: Abraham, Isaac, Job,
Solomon, and Joseph. This week’s lesson explores God’s mission to the rich and
powerful.
What evidence can we find in Sunday’s lesson that God cares about the wealthy
and powerful and the weak and needy?
The biblical account of Nebuchadnezzar, who came to his
senses and acknowledged the Creator God, shows that God cares about the wealthy
and powerful, as well as the weak and needy.
What can we learn from the story of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4?
First, God uses committed believers, such as Daniel, as a
bridge to reach powerful unbelievers. Second, God can directly intervene in the
witnessing in order to reach powerful unbelievers.
What were the two unusual requests Naaman made after God healed him of
leprosy?
First, he asked to take two mules of earth from Israel back
to Syria for the purpose of worshipping the living God showing that pagan
influences still held sway over his thinking to a degree, because he intended
to worship God on Israelite soil. Second, he resolved to serve only the God
of heaven, though he realizes that doing such may not be easy in his idolatrous
nation, where he performed duties to his earthly king, hence, he asked for pardon
when he bows down to Rimmon.
What principle should be borne in the mind of those who labor for souls?
‘God leads new converts on step by step, and knows the
appropriate moment in which to call for a reform in a certain matter. This
principle ought always to be borne in mind by those who labor for the salvation
of souls.’
How did Jesus impact the life of the learned: Nicodemus?
God knew the heart of Nicodemus, Nicodemus was powerful,
wealthy and a respected leader but, he still had needs. He came to Jesus by
night because Jesus’ teachings had convicted him, and Jesus provided the need
he lacked.
What evidence do we see that Nicodemus was impacted by Jesus?
Nicodemus sought to protect Jesus when He was alive and even
after Jesus’ death, he sought to honor Him still (John 7:43-52 and John 19:39).
What other reason do we find in Wednesday’s lesson that God’s mission is to
the rich too?
The rich and poor face the same fate: the grave. This means
that the rich are in desperate need of salvation as is anyone else. Money cannot
buy salvation, it comes as a gift, offered freely by Jesus to whomever will
claim it by faith.
What contrast do we find in Wednesday’s lesson?
The rich young ruler when asked to sell his properties and
give to the poor to get eternal life, went away sorrowful (Matthew 19:16-22),
but Zacchaeus responded to Jesus in a way that, unfortunately, the rich young
ruler didn’t. Zacchaeus was convicted by Jesus and knew that he had to make
some changes in his life, especially as it related to his wealth, he gave to the
poor and restored anything he had acquired by false accusation.
How does Thursday’s lesson explain the ministry to the powerful?
It is better not to pursue the powerful people, let them
come to you. Powerful people will seek to partner with genuine ministry because
they want to be part of something good that is changing the lives of people and
in so doing they can get the help they need without publicly disclosing their needs.
The second phase is to begin genuine ministry as an avenue for the rich and
powerful to be part of God’s ministry. Like Joseph of Arimathea, God has used
and will continue to use the rich for his purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment