Romans 10:13-18
We began with an activity where students had to try to tell a friend about their favorite story without using words. They had masking tape over their mouth. We then related this to the difficulty (impossibility) of sharing Christ without using words.
Big Idea: Telling the good news is a beautiful thing!
- We tend to be so excited to share with someone a present we bought for them, or maybe even sharing the newest gossip, but we seem so reluctant to share the greatest gift and the greatest news ever!
- God designed the process of salvation, and He has given us the privilege of being part of that process!!
People are saved when they call on the name of the Lord
- "everyone" - all people, regardless of background are saved when they call on the name of the Lord
- While Christianity is always accused of being exclusive, it is the most inclusive "religion" in the world
- Because of this we should share Jesus with everyone, even those it is difficult to share with
- The "calling" in this passage may or may not be out loud, but it must be humble
- hearing is not enough (though they can't believe if they don't hear)
- This is more than believing Jesus existed - Paul seems to equate Jesus with Yahweh
- It's about receiving Jesus as LORD!
- This is important as you are sharing Christ - help others understand they must "count the cost"!
People believe in Jesus as LORD after they hear the gospel
- We talked about the quote attributed (falsely) to St. Francis of Assisi - "Preach the gospel. Use words when necessary."
- While we discussed the intention of this quote, students were able to identify how this quote does not square with Romans 10.
People hear the gospel when someone preaches it!
- being "sent" is a beautiful thing!
- We reviewed the definition of "gospel" - good news
We finished by considering the lyrics from Jimmy Needham's song - "Speak"
High School - Ecclesiastes 9:11-10:1
We began by discussing the breakneck speed of technology development. We live in the information age, and we have SO much information at our fingertips today. Unfortunately, this information does not automatically produce wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to live skillfully the information you have learned. We need others for this.
Big Idea: Wisdom is valuable!
Wisdom is humble (We are not as strong as we think we are) (9:11-12)
- you can't rely on speed, strength, wisdom or intelligence
- wisdom has no built-in guarantees
- Time & Chance are 2 things which are completely out of our control.
- this is a death blow to our confidence
- this is a catalyst for faith
- In a world where everything is getting faster, more powerful, and more knowledgeable, we as followers of God need to be humble and have enough wisdom to realize that only God is in control, and nothing matters except what He desires.
Wisdom is power (9:13-17)
- example of a siege (probably a real life example)
- "wisdom is better than might" - students shared example from Scripture where this is true
Wisdom is free (9:15)
- The wise man in the passage is poor. It requires no money to be wise
- In the book of Proverbs wisdom calls out to all who will listen
- Irony - that which is of immense value is free
Wisdom is undervalued (9:15-17)
- Throughout all time, wisdom has not been as valuable as power, speed, influence, etc...
- Today, information is far more valuable than wisdom
- side note - You can’t rely on the approval of man - people are fickle! (one minute you are the hero, the next moment you are forgotten)
Wisdom is a weapon against sin (9:18-10:1)
- Proverbs 2:6-8, 11-12
- There are many “nets” out there, Satan seeks to catch us in them
- Wisdom is very beneficial in the fight against sin!
- There is a battle going on, and a lot is at stake.
- Satan wants to destroy us, but thankfully God has given us victory in Christ!
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