lesson loop 2.4.15

Middle School - "Jesus"

Big Idea: When following Jesus brings suffering, we should follow Jesus’ example of endurance.

1. Following Christ means we are willing to suffer for Him John 12:20-33

Paradox:

• death → life (much fruit) v. 24

• clutch → lose v. 25
• relinquish → gain v. 25
• serve → honored v. 26

2. Following Christ means responding like Him when we do suffer 1 Peter 3:13-18)

How we should suffer for Jesus:

1. Boldly (v. 13-14)

2. Worshipfully (v. 15a)

3. Expectedly (v. 15b)

a. be prepared to share Christ

b. share with gentleness and respect

High School - "Proverbs - alcohol"

Big Idea: Skillful, Christ-like living requires wisdom when it comes to alcohol

1. Alcohol is not sinful (Read 3:9-10)

If alcohol is considered a blessing of God, it cannot be wrong in and of itself.

John 2 - Jesus’ 1st miracle - water into wine (alcoholic wine)

1 Tim. 5:23 - Paul instructs Timothy to drink some wine for his stomach.

2. Abusing alcohol is sinful (drunkenness)

• drunkenness is foolishness: Read 20:1
• drunkenness is idolatry (loving alcohol): Read 21:17
  (chasing after pleasure as an end in itself - rather than a pleasure that points to God)
• drunkenness is controlling - controls us instead of the HS: Read 23:31-35 (focus> 33,35); Eph. 5:18

3. Abusing alcohol is dangerous

1. deception (beware)
   Read 20:1 - sin of drunkenness is a mocker (makes fun, makes you look foolish) Read 23:29-32 - looks very appealing - can really bite you.

2. woe, sorrow, strife, wounds - Still in ch. 23 Read vs. 29
1. physical wounds- accidental wounds, redness of eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, sickness and vomiting
2. emotional wounds- drunkenness destroys relationships - father/mother with children, friendships, marriage...
3. spiritual wounds- say and do perverse things; loving something more than God

3. control - I already mentioned this, just want to point out that the controlling grip that alcohol can have is deceptive. No one ever, ever plans to be a drunk/alcoholic.

the way alcohol works… (impairs judgment)

Practical Thoughts:

• Accountability
  Peer pressure works both ways! Teens are often introduced to alcohol through their peers, and yet godly friendships can help you say no to drinking before you are 21.
  
  
• Wisdom
  You need to apply all of the other wisdom of the Bible when it comes to drinking alcohol. What the Bible says about...
• friendships - godly friends
• money - $$$
• pride - “I can handle it…”
• There may be times when God wants you to say no altogether! - Prov. 31:4-9
  
• Love
  1 Cor. 8:4-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-33