Help For Teacher

Help for the Teacher
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUMMER QUARTER, 2004
Living for Christ in

the Last Days
James, 1 and 2 Thessalonians
QUARTERLY AIM: By the conclusion of this quarter the students will gain
a better understanding of how to live for Christ in view of His imminent
return.
June
6Conquering Temptations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
13Good Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
20Controlling the Tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
27Submissive to Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
July
4Prevailing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Reputation of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Review of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Characteristics of a Model Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
28
33
38
August
1Rapture of the Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Responsibilities of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15The Day of Vengeance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22The Day of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Patiently Awaiting the Return of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
48
53
57
61
HELP FOR THE TEACHER, Sunday School, Vol. 65, No. 3, issued June 1, 2004, is published quarterly
at $1.25 per quarter. Prepared by Charles Swilling; Cover designed by Jeff Allen; Larry E. Clements, Editor
in Chief, <larryclements@abaptist.org>; Wayne Sewell, Business Manager, <wsewell@abaptist.org>.
Copyright 2004, BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE of the American Baptist Association,
4605 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, TX 75503-2928. Cover Image 1996 PhotoDisc, Inc.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
2004
Mark
2 Samuel 524
1 Chronicles 1129
1 Kings 1, 2
James
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
Psalms
2005
Galatians
1 Kings 322
2 Chronicles 124
2 Kings 113
Joel, Obadiah
1 Corinthians
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
2006
Luke 113:21
Luke 13:2224
Hosea, Amos,
Micah, Jonah,
2 Kings 1416,
2 Chronicles 2528
2 Corinthians
2007
Isaiah 139
2 Chronicles 2932
2 Kings 1720
Nahum
Isaiah 4066
Philemon
Philippians
Colossians
2 Kings 2123
2 Chronicles 3335
Zephaniah
Lamentations
Habakkuk
2008
Ephesians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Jeremiah
2 Kings 24, 25
2 Chronicles 36
John 112
2009
John 1321
Daniel
Ezekiel
1 Peter
2 Peter
Jude
Zechariah
Ezra
Haggai, Esther
2010
1, 2, 3 John
Nehemiah
Malachi
Revelation 17
Revelation 822
2011
Genesis 111
Job
Genesis 1250
Matthew 113
Matthew 1428
2012
Exodus
Romans
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Hebrews
2013
American Baptist Association

Through-the-Bible Series Sunday School Lessons
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Acts 114
Acts 1528
1 Samuel
2 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 110
1
S
June 6, 2004
Conquering Temptations
unday Devotional
James 1:1-27
er it be good, or whether it be evil

(Eccl. 12:13, 14). Moses penned the
words, But if ye will not do so,
behold, ye have sinned against the
LORD: and be sure your sin will find
you out (Num. 32:23). The examples
in the devotional reading were given
to us to warn us about lusting after
evil things. The lust led the people to
commit sin, and the Lord punished
them for their sins. No one gets by
with sin.
Paul warned the Corinthians not
to be idolaters. He warned them
about committing fornication, as
some of them did and were punished
(verse 8). He warned them about
tempting Christ as some of them did
and were destroyed (verse 9). He
warned them about not murmuring
as some of them did and were
destroyed (verse 10). These are examples of sinning against the Lord and
the chastisement for sin. You can find
your situation in principle in Gods
Word.
Not only did these happen for our
examples, but they are written also
for our admonition. The Lord wants
us to be instructed in right and
wrong living. We live in a day in
which most people are not afraid of
the Lord. The writer of Hebrews
wrote, For whom the Lord loveth he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom he receiveth (Heb. 12:6).
Every sin has a price tag to it.
A Warning Example,
1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
The Bible is an illustrative book

on godly and ungodly behavior. There
are examples found in Gods Word
that apply to our modern-day living.
These illustrations are given to us to
warn us of what can happen to us if
we also do what they did.
The Bible is a book that declares
personal responsibility and accountability to the Lord. We will personally answer to the One who has given
us physical and spiritual life. The
wise man wrote, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear
God, and keep his commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man. For
God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, wheth-
Daily Devotionals
See Daily Devotional Quarterly
M. Temptations of Israel,
Deuteronomy 4:31-40.
T. Temptations of Jesus, Matthew
4:1-11.
W. Manifold Temptations, 1 Peter
1:1-9.
T. Kept from Temptation, Luke
11:1-4.
F. Delivered from Temptations, 2
Peter 2:4-9.
S. Watch and Pray, Mark 14:3238.
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will discuss how to
cope with temptations.
I. THE TEST OF FAITH (James 1:14)

Trials and tribulations can confirm and even deepen our faith and
bring out the best in us.
The lesson today teaches that the

Lords people will be tempted. We will
be tried and we will be allured to evil.
This devotional reminds us of some
examples of temptation in the Old
Testament.
There is not one temptation that
we have to yield to and sin against
God. There are ways by which we can
refrain from sin and remain true to
the Lord in our times of temptation
and testing. There will always be a
way out if we consider it and rely
upon the Lord.
There are organizations that have
support groups to help the group cope
with peculiar temptations. Certainly,
the saved have a much better support
group than these other organizations. The writer of Hebrews teaches
us to exhort one another and so much
the more as the day approaches (Heb.
10:25). The saved need to regularly
associate with and fellowship with
other saved people.
The best way to overcome temptation is to have a close personal relationship with the Lord. The Word of
God can have a powerful effect upon
those who read and study it and
apply it to their lives (2 Tim. 3:16,
17).
The devil will work on the flesh
and seek to get his way through it.
Paul gives a contrast in Galatians
5:19-23 between the flesh and the
spirit. Times of prayer can help a
great deal when we are tempted.
II. WISDOM FROM GOD (James

1:5-8)
Wisdom is that quality of perception and understanding which enables
one to discern the proper balance of
temporal needs, desires, opportunities
and obligations against eternal issues.
III. A REASON TO REJOICE (James
1:9-12)
Even if the most favorable material circumstances cannot bring true
joy, so believers can rejoice even in the
face of unfavorable circumstances.
IV. HOW TO ENDURE TEMPTATION (James 1:13-16)
Because God is not responsible for
any solicitations for evil, it follows that
believers should seek to avoid situations in which they are likely to be
tempted to commit sin.
V. THE UNCHANGING GOD
(James 1:17-21)
With God there is no variableness
or turning. He is the one thing in the
universe that is always constant and
unchanging.
VI. DOERS OF THE WORD (James
1:22-27)
To study the Scriptures without
obeying them is to be self-deceived.
Text:James 1:1-27
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
James 1:12-16, 19-25
THE STEPS IN COMMITTING SIN

James 1:14, 15
A First Look
The book of James deals with the
practical problems of behavior that
confront Christians.
A Closer Look
I. THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION
(James 1:12-14)
We read in this passage that
temptation comes from within our
own hearts. It begins with our own
lusts, those sinful desires that live in
the heart of every human being.
II. THE COURSE OF TEMPTATION
(James 1:15, 16)
Lust, left to its conclusion will
bring forth sin. Sin is the product of
unchecked and unresolved lust. The
enticement that brought us into
temptation, if not stopped, will lead
us to commit sin.
III. DEALING WITH TEMPTATION
(James 1:19-25)
We have to arrange our priorities
properly. We need to be quick to hear,
especially when we are hearing the
Word of God or listening to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
A Final Word
Everyone will face temptation. No
one is exempt, but we have a wonderful example to follow in Jesus. We
can learn about His life and read
about how He dealt with temptation,
and we have a great resource in the
Word of God.
I. LISTENING TO SIN
The devil is active in working on
the sinful depraved nature within
mankind. Jesus said in John 8:44 that
the devil was a liar, father of lies and a
murderer from the beginning.
II. LINGERING AROUND SIN
When Jesus realized that he was
being enticed, he ran away from the
enticement. He did not linger or stay
around. Most sins are committed
because people linger around sin.
III. LOOKING AT SIN
In our day you can see anything
you want to see on television, movies
and the Internet. These used to be for
entertainment only. Now they are the
breeding areas for sin.
IV. LUSTING FOR SIN
If you listen to the devil, linger
around sin and look at sin, you will
soon lust for sin. You imagine and
think about how you want to consume it with your lust. You cannot
sin without getting dirty and unclean.
V. LOSING IN SIN
You will lose when you sin. You
will never win. Many lives are full of
regret because they lusted and
sinned.
LESSON REVIEW
(The following exercises are a review of the lesson. These are quotations from
the Adult Quarterly with significant words missing. Use them as a closing
review as time permits.)
We will be examining some of the ______________________ doctrines taught
in this book.
The book of James deals with the practical problems of __________________
that confront Christians.
We know that, as we approach the second coming of our Lord, we will once
again face a time of ____________________ and ______________ of our faith.
We are to count it all joy when we encounter various ____________________.
____________________ is not the source of any sin for any human being.
God leads us into paths of _____________________.
We read plainly that ___________________ comes from within our own
hearts.
___________________ is the process that makes something look better than
it really is, and that is just how temptation works.
_________________ will tempt us, but we do not have to listen to him.
Sin is the product of ____________________ and _____________________ lust.
Now we need to know that it ____________ __________ a sin to be tempted.
A child of God has the ___________________ of God in his heart to help him
think and reason differently.
The ___________________ of man does not work the _____________________
of God.
We should do our best to eliminate ___________________ from our lives and
from our minds.
God seeks to do a permanent work in our hearts, and He can do that
through our ____________________ and ______________________ of His
Word.
Text:James 1:1-27
LESSON ASSISTANCE
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;
but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able
to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes
Greet your class members.

Introduce and extend a warm welcome to your visitors.
Encourage your members to bring visitors to the class regularly.
Make Bibles, Adult Lesson Commentary and quarterlies available to
all, especially visitors.
Share the goal of this lesson and the information you have
learned in your preparation.
Explore the verses in the Lesson Focus.
Find ways by which you may apply this lesson to particular situations in the lives of your class members. Emphasize the need of
the Holy Spirits leading us and guiding us each day, especially to
share the gospel with the lost.
Quickly review the lesson and link it to the lesson for next
week. Close with prayer including requests made in class for
those who may yet be unsaved.
June 13, 2004
Good Works
James 2:1-26
unday Devotional
tainly manifested that she was concerned about those around her. She
helped them in any way that she
could.
There is always a contrast in the
Bible between good and evil and righteousness and wickedness. Dorcas life
was a life of giving to others. She did
works that were described as good.
She also was full of almsdeeds.
Almsdeeds are works of charity. She
helped those who could not help themselves.
She was sick and died as a result
of her sickness. When Peter came to
the place where they had laid Dorcas,
he saw all the widows weeping and
showing the coats and garments
which Dorcas had made. These widows were weeping because the one
who loved them and had helped them
was dead. This woman was loved and
they grieved for her because of the
way she had lived her life. Jesus said,
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in
heaven (Matt. 5:16).
This account of Dorcas was not
put in Gods Word to take up space.
The Lord wanted to teach us the
importance of doing good works.
Peter knelt down and prayed, and
Dorcas was restored to life. Many
believed in the Lord because her life
was restored.
Full of Good Works,

Acts 9:36-43.
These verses point out the importance of good works. The death of
Dorcas did not stand out, but the
good works that she did as a believer
stood out. She was described as a certain disciple. Certainly all must die
according to Hebrews 9:27. Paul
taught that death occurs because of
sin (Rom. 5:12). There is nothing outstanding about her death.
Dorcas was described as a woman
full of good works and almsdeeds.
Paul wrote to Titus, This is a faithful saying, and these things I will
that thou affirm constantly, that they
which have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works.
These things are good and profitable
unto men (Titus 3:8). Dorcas cer-
Daily Devotionals
M.Abrahams Good Works,

Genesis 22:1-19.
T. Created To Do Good Works,
Ephesians 2:1-10.
W.Good Works Displayed,
Matthew 5:13-16.
T. Adorned with Good Works,
1 Timothy 2:8-15.
F. Pattern of Good Works, Titus
2:1-10.
S. Provoked to Good Works
Hebrews 10:19-25.
Text:James 2:1-26
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will understand the
importance of good works in the life of
the believer.
I. THE SIN OF SNOBBERY (James

2:1-4)
Class distinctions have always
existed in society; however, God is
not pleased with the animosity that
often exists between the rich and the
poor.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in

him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5). As we abide in the
Lord who is the true vine, we will
bear fruit to His honor and glory.
This is necessary to give evidence of
the new birth.
In the religious world, there are
two thoughts about good works. One
is that you have to work for your salvation or that works play a part in
salvation. The other thought is that
you are saved by grace through faith
apart from any good works. The Bible
teaches that you are saved by grace
through faith (Eph. 2:8, 9).
Good works are necessary to confirm and give evidence of salvation. A
living faith will show good works. A
dead faith cannot produce good
works. James wrote, Yea, a man
may say, Thou hast faith, and I have
works: shew me thy faith without thy
works, and I will shew thee my faith
by my works (James 2:18).
As the saved are taught Gods
Word, they realize that they need to
be scripturally baptized, become a
member of one of the Lords churches
and go to work for Him. The Lord
expects us to use our talents and abilities in His service. Paul wrote, For
we are labourers together with God:
ye are Gods husbandry, ye are Gods
building (1 Cor. 3:9).
II. THE TRULY RICH (James 2:5-7)

God sees the heart, men see clothing. God sees treasurers in Heaven,
humans see bank accounts. True
wealth can be seen only by God.
III. NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS
(James 2:8-13)
James point is simply this: a believer is not to be a respecter of persons.
IV. SAVING FAITH AND DEAD
FAITH (James 2:14-17).
This verse teaches that the kind of
faith which saves will be demonstrated by good works.
V. SHOW YOUR FAITH (James 2:1820).
The only thing about faith that
can be seen is its results. That is why
it is so essential that believers demonstrate their faith in good works.
VI. FAITH COMPLEMENTED BY
WORKS (James 2:21-26)
Abrahams faith was made perfect
by his works. By faith Abraham was
justified before God; by works
Abraham was justified before man.
10
Good Works
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
James 2:14-26
WALKING IN GOOD WORKS

Ephesians 2:10
A First Look
Good works are the result of faith;
they are never the cause of faith. We
will err in our reasoning if we believe
that we can somehow produce faith
by doing good works.
I. THE FATHER AND GOOD

WORKS
We are saved to do the good works
that God has ordained. This is the
will of the Father for everyone of His
children. We are to let our lights so
shine that men may see them and
glorify our Father in Heaven (Matt.
5:16).
A Closer Look
I. THE FOLLY OF FALSE FAITH
(James 2:14-17)
Dead faith is defined the same as
a dead body. The form is there, and
everything may look as if there were
life present, but there will be no
movement and no activity. The principle is that of profession without
possession.
II. THE ARROGANCE OF FALSE
FAITH (James 2:18-20)
The key thought in these verses is
the phrase shew me thy faith (verse
18). Clearly, this is not about having
faith in the first place; instead, it is
about the demonstration and proof of
faith. Proving or demonstrating our
faith is important.
III. EXAMPLES OF TRUE FAITH
(James 2:21-26)
James gave us two of the many
examples of faith in the Old Testament. One of these was Abra-ham, a
well known figure of history and the
other was Rahab, a lesser known person.
A Final Word
Real faith is not difficult to come
by, and good works will quite naturally flow from it.
II. THE FAITH AND GOOD WORKS

Good works are outward expressions of an inner faith in the Lord
and His Word. Good works give evidence of our faith in the Lord. James
teaches us that faith without works
is dead.
III. THE FRUIT AND GOOD WORKS
Jesus taught His disciples to bear
fruit, much fruit and more fruit in
John 15:2, 4, 5, 8. Bearing fruit is
simply doing the works that we were
saved to do.
IV. THE FELLOWSHIP AND GOOD
WORKS
To bear fruit for the Lord is to
walk in the light as He is in the light
(1 John 1:7). The closer you get to the
Lord, the more you will want to do for
Him.
V. THE FEAR AND GOOD WORKS
The fear of the Lord is to respect
and reverence Him. We do this as we
obey Him and do the works that He
has ordained that we do. We do the
works because we are saved.
11
Text:James 2:1-26
LESSON REVIEW
The ___________________ mentioned in James is the result of faith.
The only way others can see our _________________ is by observing what we
do.
Our hearts are justified before God by our faith, but the ________________
of our faith is seen in our works before men.
The principle is that of profession without ___________________.
The illustration of this is given in the powerless words of the man who
would wish ________________ on those in need without actually helping
_________________ their needs.
This is illustrating the __________________ for faith to be evidenced in some
positive change that can be observed in the life of an individual.
The key thought in these verses is the phrase show me thy ______________.
What we ___________________ often speaks so loudly that no one can hear
what we say.
Faith and veracity are demonstrated by what we do, based on what we
believe. But there is a more personal ___________________ for demonstrating our faith.
The devils believe in one God and tremble at the prospect, but they are not
_____________________ at all by simply admitting what is obviously true.
__________________ faith must have the accompanying proof of good works.
The application is that the man who has faith but no works is
___________________ and ______________________.
Both Abraham and Rahab _________________ their faith by what they did.
Note that verse 21 is not saying that ___________________ was not justified
until he actually put Isaac on the altar.
Abraham was called the friend of God because he allowed God to so completely ____________________ his life that he was willing to follow God.
12
Good Works
LESSON ASSISTANCE
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought
him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and
shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with
them (Acts 9:39).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Make Bibles, Adult Lesson Commentary and quarterlies available
to all present, especially visitors.
learned in your preparation.
Explore the verses in the Lesson Focus.
Find ways by which you may apply this lesson to particular situations in the lives of your class members. Emphasize the need
of the Holy Spirits leading us and guiding us each day, especially
to share the gospel with the lost.
June 20, 2004
Controlling the Tongue
Sunday Devotional
James 3:1-18
The psalmist decided to take heed

or give attention to his ways. The
Bible teaches that we are responsible
for our behavior. Paul wrote, For we
must all appear before the judgment
seat of Christ; that every one may
receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad (2 Cor.
5:10).
The psalmist did not want to sin
with his tongue. We can sin with our
tongues. As believers, we should not
want to sin with our tongues. Paul
instructed the Ephesians in chapter
4 verse 31, Let all bitterness, and
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and
evil speaking, be put away from you
with all malice. These emotions and
attitudes will be expressed with the
mouth.
He would keep his mouth bridled
while the wicked were before him.
Some are caught saying things that
they should not say. They are embarrassed. They may even be ashamed
because they realize others heard
them. Someone is always listening
when we talk. As we talk, we should
realize that the Lord is listening to
everything that we say. We will give
an account to Him one day.
The only time we should do a lot of
talking is when we are talking to
God. Words can be weapons of war or
instruments of peace. You will decide
which way they will be used.
A Noble Resolve,
Psalm 39:1-8.
The key verse for todays lesson is

James 3:8 which states, But the
tongue can no man tame; it is an
unruly evil, full of deadly poison. All
of us have said things that we regret
saying after we think about it. While
we cannot control the tongue completely, we can seek to control it by
the help of the Holy Spirit. Several
things can help us control the tongue.
First, read your Bible daily. The more
you read, the more it will influence
your thoughts and speech. Second,
pray to God often. Prayer is communication with God. Prayers from the
heart will change our manner of
speech. Third, ask the Lord to give
you the grace to listen to Him and to
others.
Daily Devotionals
M. Wholesome Tongue, Proverbs

15:1-7.
T. Glad Tongue, Acts 2:25-31.
W.Flattering Tongue, Psalm 5:110.
T. Lying Tongue, Psalm 78:32-39.
F. Words of Hatred, Psalm 109:18.
S. Deceitful Tongue, Romans 3:918.
13
14
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will grasp the importance of controlling the tongue.
I. A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY
(James 3:1, 2)
Those who believe that God wants
them to be teachers should accept
that responsibility.
James gave a serious admonition

when he wrote, Wherefore, my
beloved brethren, let every man be
swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath (James 1:19). Someone said
that God gave us two ears and one
mouth, which means that we should
listen twice as much as we speak.
Words are like Xrays of the heart.
The words you speak will say volumes about your character.
The words you speak can wound
others or win them. The words we
speak can help others or hurt them.
Our words can encourage or discourage others. You decide how you will
use words. You will be influenced by
others, but you are responsible for
the words you say. Paul wrote, Let
no corrupt communication proceed
out of your mouth, but that which is
good to the use of edifying, that it
may minister grace unto the hearers
(Eph. 4:29).
Many saved people ruin their testimony because they speak quickly
without thinking. Many ruin their
influence by saying profane or vulgar
words. Others are critical and malicious in their speech.
Others may not listen to you
because of things you say.
II. RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE

(James 3:2-5)
James invoked generalization to
underscore the critical role ones
speech plays in the Christ life. The
principle to which James declared
compares to Matthew 12:37.
III. THE UNTAMABLE TONGUE
(James 3:5-8)
As a tiny spark of fire can start a
blaze that results in a great loss, an
unwise or unkind word can be the
beginning of trouble which could go
on for years.
IV. CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
(James 3:9-12)
Having emphasized that the
tongue is impossible to control
through human strength alone,
James next suggested that it is possible for the tongue to be controlled.
V. EARTHLY WISDOM (James 3:1316)
The expression this wisdom refers
to the kind of wisdom described in
verse 14. Such wisdom is not from
abovethat is from Godbut is from
belowthat is from the earth.
VI. HEAVENLY WISDOM (James
3:17, 18)
Heavenly wisdom is not only better because of its source and origin,
but is much better also in its nature
and effects. Heavenly wisdom is
responsible for gentleness and peace.
15
Text: James 3:1-18
1 LESSON FOCUS
ADULT QUARTERLY
James 3:1-12
A First Look
Our lesson today concerns how to
control our gift of language. As it is
with many powerful things, we can
use it or abuse it.
A Closer Look
I. SPEECH CAN CONTROL (James
3:1-4).
Perhaps the greatest instrument
ever developed for controlling others
is the simple ability to communicate
and use our language. This control is
shown in the control that we have
over ourselves and the control that
we exercise over other people.
II. SPEECH CAN DO GREAT HARM
(James 3:5-8).
A few words spoken rashly or
angrily can kindle feelings of resentment and distrust that can spread
like wildfire and destroy everything
in its path.
III. SPEECH CAN CAUSE CONFUSION (James 3:9-12).
A man may indeed curse men and
bless God, but if he does, he is showing to all who hear him that he does
not know God. The man who blesses
God and curses his brother at the
same time has a problem with God,
not his brother.
A Closer Look
When your heart is completely
right with God, and your life is led
and controlled by the Holy Spirit,
good communication will naturally
flow from your mouth.
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
SPEAK WORDS
Ephesians 4:29
I. SPEAK WORDS OF PEACE.
We are to live peaceably with all
men, as much as lies in us (Rom.
12:18). The words we speak can
declare war or proclaim peace with
others. The wise man wrote, A soft
answer turneth away wrath: but
grievous words stir up anger (Prov.
15:1).
II. SPEAK WORDS OF PARDON.
The words of pardon and forgiveness are powerful, wonderful words.
It is a joy to hear the Lord say there
is forgiveness when we confess our
sins (1 John 1:9). It is a joy to hear
Gods people asking for forgiveness.
III. SPEAK WORDS OF PRAISE.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4,
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again
I say, Rejoice. Psalm 146150 all
start with the admonition, Praise ye
the Lord.
IV. SPEAK WORDS OF POWER.
Isaiah said that the Word of the
Lord accomplishes what He pleases
and prospers in the thing to which
He sends it (Isa. 55:11). It will not
return to the Lord void. Your words
can be powerful words.
V. SPEAK WORDS OF PURITY.
We are saved by Gods grace. We
are made new creatures in Christ (2
Cor. 5:17). Our speech should reflect
our divine nature given to us in the
new birth.
16
LESSON REVIEW
Most of us have been harmed by ____________________ , and most of us
have been encouraged and strengthened by ______________________.
Our lesson today concerns how to _________________________ our gift of
language.
As words can never be substituted for deeds, ____________________ can
never substitute for words.
We should strive to hear the words of Jesus and to let Him be the true
____________________ of our lives.
Harmony and true fellowship can only come as all of us __________________
the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to ____________________ in our lives.
The complete or perfect man will _____________________ his speech and not
offend others with his words. In this way he will control himself and influence the others he contacts.
We read of the ____________________ that controls the horse and the
_________________________ that steers a large ship.
There is no greater example than the simple message of the ______________
of Jesus Christ.
But sadly, we can also use the ability to communicate to do ______________.
We all have a __________________ nature.
That nature is ready to hear and believe the ___________________ in every
situation.
Jesus taught that what___________________ us was not what goes into our
mouths, but what comes out of our mouths (Matt. 15:11).
No man can ____________________ the tongue.
We cannot control ourselves, but ___________________ can control us.
17
Text: James 3:1-18
LESSON ASSISTANCE
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will
keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Psalm 39:1).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

learned in your presentation. Explore the verses in the Lesson
Focus.
Find ways by which you may apply this lesson to particular situations in your class members lives. Emphasize the need of the
Holy Spirits leading us and guiding us each day, especially to
June 27, 2004
Submissive to Separation
James 4:1-17
unday Devotional
fleshly nature will never submit to

the law of God and cannot (Rom. 7:8).
The new nature will never sin because we are created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24).
The following verses admonish us
to do some things. It does not happen
automatically. You must obey the
Lord and do them by His help. We are
to follow peace with all men. Paul
wrote, If it be possible, as much as
lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men (Rom. 12:18). The price of peace
still places the desire in His childrens hearts to live peaceably with
others. His children are also to follow
after holiness. Paul called upon the
Corinthians to come out from among
them and be separated (2 Cor. 6:17).
This is what the Lord demands of His
people. Live a separated life. To do
this we must crucify the desires of
the flesh. We are to walk in the light
as He is in the light according to 1
John 1:7.
We are to live our lives carefully in
the Lord. Jesus instructed His disciples on several occasions to beware or
watch out for some things. We are to
be looking for His return, and, by so
doing, we will watch our conduct,
knowing that we will answer to Him.
Gods grace is sufficient for all of our
needs (2 Cor. 12:9). If we do not look
diligently, a root of bitterness or anguish can spring up. This root of bitterness can trouble the saved. Many
are defiled because of it.
The Warning of Esau,

Hebrews 12:14-17.
The admonition in the lesson

today is to live a separated life. We
are new creatures in Christ Jesus (2
Cor. 5:17). We are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We are the
children of God by faith in Jesus (Gal.
3:26). We are to seek Gods kingdom
and righteousness first (Matt. 6:33).
We are to glorify God in body and
spirit which belong to Him (1 Cor.
6:19, 20). We are to present our bodies
a living sacrifice unto the Lord which
is our reasonable service (Rom. 12:1).
The saved person has two natures
within. One is completely sinful, and
the other is completely sinless. Paul
described the conflict in Romans
7:14-25. It is a real conflict. The
Daily Devotionals
M. Kept from Wickedness, Psalm

17:6-15.
T. Treasures in Heaven, Matthew
6:19-24.
W. Deceitfulness of Riches,
Matthew 13:18-23.
T. Lovers of Pleasure, 2 Timothy
3:1-9.
F. Love of the World, 2 Timothy
4:9-18.
S. Love not the World, 1 John
2:12-17.
18
Text: James 4:1-17
19
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will comprehend the
principle of godly living.
I. REASONS FOR UNANSWERED

PRAYER (James 4:1-3)
In all of the greedy conniving and
grasping, along with the resulting
turbulence and violence, people do
not get what they want. Why?
Because they seek it from the wrong
source and in the wrong manner.
We live in a dark and sinful world.

When you read 2 Timothy 3:1-13, it is
like reading a daily newspaper. Paul
wrote of what was to come. We read it
and think that we are in such a sinful
and rebellious time. When you talk
to some about marriage and morality,
it seems as if you are talking a different language. Morals seem to be considered out of date and do not apply
for living today.
Generations may change their
moral values, but the Lord does not
change. He still wants His people to
listen to His Word and obey the
teaching found in it. You cannot find
a more informative and correct way
of living than the Bible. The Bible is
an illustrative book on righteous and
wicked living and the results of living
either way.
Paul wrote, Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world (Titus 2:12). Life is serious
and we should look at it that way. We
are to live soberly. We will give an
account of the life that we have lived.
We are to live righteously. We are to
live according to the teachings of
Gods Holy Word. This is what John
was writing about in 1 John 1:7. We
are to live godly in this present
world. The Lord requires and
demands that His people live a life
that would be pleasing to Him.
II. SPIRITUAL ADULTERY (James

4:4-6)
James accused those of spiritual
adultery who cause strife among
brethren and seek to gratify their
carnal lusts.
III. SUBMITTING AND RESISTING
(James 4:7, 8)
The key to a victorious Christian
life is for one to submit to God and
resist Satan. This principle is so simple and so self-evident.
IV. THE VICTORY OF HUMILITY
(James 4:9, 10)
The world regards meek, humble
people as losers or wimps; however,
the Bible teaches that those who
humble themselves before God are
assured of great victory.
V. THE SUPREME LAWGIVER
(James 4:11, 12)
Because God is the supreme lawgiver, no one has the right to set himself above any of the teachings of the
Scriptures or install himself as the
spiritual and moral judge of anyone.
VI. A MEANINGFUL LIFE (James
4:13-17)
When we know what God wants
us to do, we have no choice but to do
His will. Otherwise, we are sinning
against God and perhaps others.
20
1 LESSON FOCUS
ADULT QUARTERLY
James 4:1-11
A First Look
Godly living is a decision to set our
affections on things above and to
place our hope in things to come, and,
in truth, it is the only wise and rational choice that we can make.
A Closer Look
I. THE SOURCE OF TROUBLE
(James 4:1-4)
The source of wars and fightings is
the lust that constantly struggles
within us. We read of this constant
battle in Romans 7:14-25. A child of
God has two natures, and these
natures are in a constant state of
spiritual conflict.
II. THE SOLUTION OF GRACE
(James 4:5-8)
When we submit, we then gain the
power to resist. Here is the first gift
of grace. We do not have to be ruled
by lust and envy. We can resist them
and all the other forces of evil.
III. STEPS TO PEACE (James 4:911)
We are to watch our words. We can
allow God to control how we think
and we can think about good things
(Phil. 4:8). When we think right, we
will speak properly, and that speech
will not be evil.
A Final Word
We give up some things and make
positive spiritual decisions. Then God
takes over and reinforces what we
have done and gives us strength we
can get from no other source.
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
GOD GIVES GRACE
James 4:5-8
I. THE GOD IN THE TEXT
In these verses we find the importance of our relationship with God as
a saved person. He is the source and
supply of all that we need in this life.
God is active in these three verses.
II. THE GIVING IN THE TEXT
What does God do? God gives grace
to the humble and resists the proud.
We are advised to submit ourselves to
God. He even gives more grace to
those in greater need.
III. THE GRACE IN THE TEXT
Paul prayed three times for the
thorn in his flesh to be removed. And
he said unto me, My grace is sufficient
for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
IV. THE GUILTY IN THE TEXT
The saved do sin against the Lord.
We cannot deny this according to 1
John 1:8-10. But God has made a way
whereby we can be forgiven and
cleansed of sin. First John 1:9 sets
forth a simple and plain way for a
believer to be forgiven and cleansed of
sin.
V. THE GRATITUDE IN THE TEXT
If we draw nigh to God, He will
draw nigh to us. Paul wrote, Giving
thanks always for all things unto God
and the Father in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:20).
21
Text: James 4:1-17
LESSON REVIEW
Those who _____________________ Jesus Christ as Savior and follow Him
as their Lord have a way to keep from becoming a part of the craziness of
this present age.
To avoid being condemned with the world, we have to ___________________
to live separated from the world.
Godly living is a ______________________ to set our affections on things
above.
We have to know where ______________________ comes from so we can at
least avoid it.
The ___________________ of wars and fightings is the ____________________
that constantly struggles within us.
When we give over to our ______________________ nature, we always lose.
We will only ____________________ fulfillment and satisfaction in the
things of the _____________________.
____________________ with this world system and looking to it to satisfy our
needs is enmity with God.
How we live must be based on a real _____________________ that Christ
lives and that He is able to ________________________ those who follow
Him.
Sin is powerful, and our world is mostly sinful, but the wonderful
______________________ is that God giveth more _______________________.
The Bible declares that the spirit in us, that is our fleshly nature, is
_________________________ by lust and envy.
Grace teaches us to take control on a ______________________ level.
The first thing we have to do is ______________________.
When we _____________________, we then gain the power to resist.
22
LESSON ASSISTANCE
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey
God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

learned in your preparation. Explore the verses in the Lesson
Focus.
Find ways by which you may apply this lesson to particular situations in the lives of your class members. Emphasize the need of
the Holy Spirits leading us and guiding us each day, especially to
July 4, 2004
Prevailing Prayer
James 5:1-20
unday Devotional
do. He wrote, Pray without ceasing

(1 Thess. 5:17). The idea is being in a
proper relationship with the Lord so
that you can pray to Him anytime
during the day or evening.
We will face troubles and trials in life that make praying to the
Lord comforting. You may be sitting or
lying down. You may have your eyes
opened or closed. Many sleepless
nights have given the opportunity to
pray to the Master. David would call
on the Lord, and the Lord would save
him. A lot of prayers are prayed in
hospitals and funeral homes.
Jesus said, And he spake a parable
unto them to this end, that men ought
always to pray, and not to faint (Luke
18:1). You can pray on your knees in
times of weakness and discouragement
and be strong to take a stand with the
courage that the Lord gives you. Paul
wrote, I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil.
4:13). Praying to the Lord will prevent
you from fainting, and fainting reveals
you have not been praying as you
should.
The psalmist encourages people to
cast their burdens upon the Lord
because He can sustain you. Jesus
cast His burden upon His Father in
Luke 22:42, Father, if thou be willing,
remove this cup from me: nevertheless
not my will, but thine, be done.
When To Pray,
Psalm 55:16-23.
One of the greatest privileges of

the saved is that of praying to the
heavenly Father. Jesus gave the disciples a Model Prayer as a guide to
their praying. True praying is not
repeating the Model Prayer in
Matthew 6:9-15. True praying is simply talking to the Lord. God is our
heavenly Father and He loves to listen to His children.
The psalmist prayed evening and
morning and at noon. The idea is not
to pray at a certain time during the
day such as 6:00 a.m. and 12 p.m.
and 6:00 p.m. The idea is what Paul
was instructing the Thessalonians to
Daily Devotionals
M. Elijahs Prayer, 1 Kings 18:3039.

T. Hezekiahs Prayer, 2 Kings
20:1-11.
W. Solomons Prayer, 2 Chronicles
6:12-21.
T. How To Pray, Matthew 6:5-15.
F. A Church Praying, Acts 12:517.
S. Effectual Prayer, Luke 18:914.
23
24
Prevailing Prayer
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will provide biblical
examples of answered prayer.
I. SELFISH HOARDING (James

5:1-3)
Selfishness is a serious sin because
it violates the second greatest commandment, Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:39).
The saved can testify of what the

Lord has done for them. There are
many different kinds of prayer. Many
of the Old Testament men prayed
prayers of praise to the Master for
His deliverance and blessings.
Women have poured out their hearts
to God, thanking Him for His goodness and blessings upon their lives.
Read the prayer of Hannah in 1
Samuel 2:1-10. She was praising the
Lord for giving her children.
True prayer is talking to God
about your life and service to Him. It
is talking to the One who can mold
you and fashion you into what He
wants you to be. The Lord does not
always give us what we ask for. As
our Father, He knows how to say, no,
maybe, later or yes. True prayer is
talking with the Lord about our
needs and thanking Him for His
blessings. In prayer we should have
faith in God about our needs and
thank Him for His blessings. In
prayer we should trust the Lord
enough to know that He will do what
is best for us.
Sometimes we do not even know
what to pray for or how to pray for it.
The Lord knows our hearts, and,
when we experience this, the Holy
Spirit helps our infirmities (Rom.
8:26). The last part of the verse
reads, The Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.
All of us have a testimony that we
could give about God answering our
prayers.
II. DISHONEST ACQUISITION

(James 5:4-6)
God is as much concerned with
how one obtains his wealth as how he
uses it. It is as wrong to exploit others
to make money as it is to use wealth
inappropriately.
III. CHRISTS RETURN (James 5:7-9)
Among the early churches and
believers, there was a firm belief in
the return of Christ.
IV. PATIENT ENDURANCE (James
5:10-12)
To encourage his readers to maintain a faithful testimony despite the
adversities which they had to endure,
James cited the Old Testament examples of the prophets and the patriarch
Job.
V. THE PRAYER OF FAITH (James
5:13-16)
Regardless of ones experiences in
the Christian life, the proper response for believers under all circumstances is prayer and thanksgiving.
VI. PRAYING EFFECTIVELY (James
5:16-20)
In the preceding passage, James
emphasized the importance of prayer,
especially intercessory prayer. Both of
these matters are dealt with in these
verses with an emphasis on effective
prayer.
25
Text: James 5:1-20
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
James 5:10-20
FERVENT PRAYING
James 5:16
A First Look
Our lesson verses offer us a better
way. These are some of the basic elements of Christian behavior.
I. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PRAISE

The psalms are beautiful and
pleasant to read and study. One reason this is true is that they are full of
praise to the Lord.
A Closer Look
I. GOOD EXAMPLES (James 5:10,
11, 17, 18)
One of the best ways to teach and
to learn is to look at examples or real
life situations that are similar to the
ones that we are in.
II. BAD WORDS (James 5:12)
Always remember that there is a
vital connection between our hearts
and our mouths. The warning about
bad words is in truth a warning
about an evil heart.
III. GOOD WORDS (James 5:13-16)
We are told to pray together.
There is power in prayer and the
more people who are praying together the better. We cannot pray to
excess. No matter how much we pray
or how many people are praying,
prayer is never wasted.
IV. A NOBLE GOAL (James 5:19, 20)
God has a goal in mind, and the
goal is to bring about repentance in
those who are wrong.
A Final Word
God will love us; He will teach us
the truth, draw us to Him and convict
us of our sins, but He will never put
His finger on us and mash until we
agree to believe in Him. The faith that
can change our lives must be voluntary.
II. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PROBLEMS

I am so thankful the Lord wants to
hear about my problems and troubles.
The very best we can do is trust the
Lord in times of problems while we call
on His name.
III. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PARDON
Some of the sweetest prayers in the
Word of God have been prayers in confession of sin and asking Gods forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-12).
IV. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PROTECTION
The psalms are filled with the
writer pleading with the Lord to protect him and to deal with his enemies.
Except the Lord build the house, they
labour in vain that build it (Psalm
127:1).
V. THE CONSOLATION IN THE
TEXT
The wise man wrote, The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (Prov. 9:10). Gods Word
helps us mature in the Lord (2 Tim.
3:16, 17).
26
Prevailing Prayer
LESSON REVIEW
But even if we were to gain all the material things that we seek, we would
still not be ______________________, and even worse, we could not keep the
material goods we have accumulated.
So it is with prayer, good ______________________ and positive interaction
with other believers.
These are not optional; instead, they are essential to ____________________.
One of the best ways to teach and to learn is to look at ___________________
of real life situations that are similar to the ones that we are experiencing.
This is an example of suffering affliction for our _____________________ and
being _____________________ that the Lord will eventually validate our
message.
We should never stop ___________________ the Lord because of persecution.
When we truly understand the source and nature of ____________________,
it will cause us to want to increase our efforts in the service of the Lord.
Job suffered ___________________ and in the end he was rewarded greatly.
Elijah was a man ____________________ to all worries and difficulties of
life.
This is showing us the wonderful ______________________ of prayer to
change us and to change the situations of our lives.
The warning about bad words is in truth a warning about an
_____________________ heart.
When we make promises or curses that we cannot keep, we are subject to
falling into ______________________.
_____________________ is communication, and it is telling God how we feel.
Prayer is not about getting our ____________________ done in Heaven; it is
about getting _____________________ will done on earth.
27
Text: James 5:1-20
LESSON ASSISTANCE
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much (James 5:16).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

all present, especially visitors.
Focus.
Find ways by which you may apply this lesson to particular situations in class members lives. Emphasize the need of the Holy
Spirits leading us and guiding us each day, especially to share the
gospel with the lost.
6
S
July 11, 2004
Reputation of the Church

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
unday Devotional
Spirit reveals that these characteristics are not of this world.

Jesus also said, I am the vine, ye
are the branches: He that abideth in
me, and I in him, the same bringeth
forth much fruit: for without me ye can
do nothing (John 15:5). The saved
who have a close fellowship with the
Lord will bring forth fruit. We cannot
bring forth fruit on our own.
A fruit tree does not bear fruit to
become a fruit tree. It bears fruit
because it is a fruit tree. We do not
bear fruit to be saved. We bear fruit
because we are saved and the evidence of salvation is the fruit of the
Spirit. Jesus said, By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if
ye have love one to the another
(John 13:35). The first fruit in this
list is love. A spiritual love will help
us manifest the other characteristics.
The fruit of the Sprit is spiritual in
nature. The Spirit of God helps us
demonstrate the genuine fruit of the
Spirit. Each fruit of the Spirit goes
against the flesh and the sinful
nature. Paul instructed the Ephesians, And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32). Paul also
instructed the Ephesians, And that
ye put on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness and
true holiness (Eph. 4:24).
Fruit of the Spirit,

Galatians 5:22-26.
In chapter 5 of Galatians, Paul sets

forth the contrast of the works of the
flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. This
truth must be understood to demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
There is a marked difference between the works of the flesh and the
fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus said, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so
shall ye be my disciples (John 15:8).
Jesus said that we are to bear fruit,
more fruit and much fruit in this
chapter. We are new creatures in
Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). As new
creatures, all things become new, and
we are to experience and express the
fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Examining the list of the fruit of the
Daily Devotionals
M. Gods Vessels, 2 Timothy 2:1926.

T. Submissive Servants, 1 Peter
2:11-20.
W. Effective Servants, Acts 17:1-9.
T. Phebe: a Servant, Romans
16:1-8.
F. Becoming a Servant, Matthew
23:1-12.
S. Yielded Servants, Romans
6:13-20.
28
Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
29
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will demonstrate the
significance of the three dimensions of
the Christian life.
I. THE GREETING (1 Thessalonians

1:1)
The apostle Paul and the others
who wrote epistles which became part
of the New Testament also used the
greeting to underscore the goodness
and greatness of God.
The subject of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14 is spiritual gifts.

Paul felt it necessary to write to the
Corinthians concerning the three
remaining gifts. He said these are
faith, hope and charity (1 Cor. 13:13).
These three characteristics are greatly needed in the Christian life.
Without them, we are nothing. In
verses 1-8 of this chapter, Paul teaches us what charity does and does not
do.
Jesus said, Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16). We
can readily see the importance of
demonstrating our faith. This demonstration will glorify our Father in
Heaven by showing men what God
can do with anyones life. The Lord
intended for the inner birth to produce outside fruit. There should be a
visible change in a persons conduct
that others can see.
The Lords disciples were called
Christians first at Antioch (Acts
11:26). A Christian is a saved person
who lives for the Lord and applies the
spiritual principles of Gods Word to
his life. Our lesson today deals with
Christian behavior. It is important
for believers to live according to the
Word of God. A genuine believer will
have a wonderful testimony for the
Lord.
II. JUSTIFIED PRAISE (1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3)

The spiritual gifts of faith, love and
hope were especially operative among
the saints in Thessalonica. This trilogy of Christian graces covers the
entire scope of ones life as a believer.
III. BELOVED AND CHOSEN
(1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Even though Paul regarded the
members of the Thessalonian congregation as brothers and sisters in Jesus
Christ and loved them sincerely, the
fact that they were the beloved of God
was even more significant.
IV. MODEL SOUL-WINNERS
(1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6)
When Paul and his companions
preached the gospel in Thessalonica,
there was a threefold verification of
their message by power, the Holy
Ghost and assurance.
V. A MODEL CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:7, 8)
Despite all the negative things that
happened to Paul in Thessalonica, the
influence of that church in Thessalonica was a positive force among the
saints at Philippi and Berea.
VI. SALVATION AND ITS PROOF
Christian service does not produce
or procure salvation, but it is proof of
ones salvation.
30
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Romans 6:12-14
A First Look
Most great projects require two
things. They require a blueprint, or a
plan to follow and they require a pattern, or model. The model is used to
show visually what the project
should look like when it is complete.
I. THE WORD OF GOD AND THE

SPIRITUAL LIFE
Sin shall not have dominion over
the saved. Paul wrote in Titus 2:12,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world.
A Closer Look
I. PRECIOUS MEMORIES (1
Thessalonians 1:2-4)
Paul carefully chose how he used
his memory. He discarded the memories of the bad treatment that he and
Silas had received from the envious
Jews. Instead, he chose to remember
the wonderful work that God had
done among the believers in this city.
II. AN EFFECTIVE METHOD (1
When the gospel is preached in the
power of the Holy Spirit and when
believers will follow those whom the
Lord has chosen to lead them and
when we live our lives so that we are
examples to others, a strong, spiritual church is sure to be the result.
III. A SERVING CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)
These verses tell us of the positive
things that the Christians did in
exercising their faith, love and hope.
A Final Word
Our faith produces the fruit of the
Spirit and our love makes us want to
serve the One we love and our hope
produces patience in our lives.
II. THE WILL OF GOD AND THE

SPIRITUAL LIFE
Gods will is for His children to
seek His kingdom and righteousness
first (Matt. 6:33).
III. THE WAY OF GOD AND THE
SPIRITUAL LIFE
The fruit of the Spirit shows the
way the Lord desires that we live. We
were created in righteousness and
true holiness (Eph. 4:24).
IV. THE WARFARE OF GOD AND
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
There is an inner conflict in the
saved (Gal. 5:17). To wage this war
for God, we need to put on the whole
armor of God. Paul wrote, Put on the
whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the
devil (Eph. 6:11).
V. THE WINNING AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
In Romans 6:13, we are encouraged to yield our members as instruments of righteousness. God will help
us all that He can, but we must be
willing to obey Him. We are to submit
ourselves to God (James 4:7).
31
LESSON REVIEW
We have the __________________ given in the teachings of Jesus in such passages as Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.
Notice as we study these lessons from 1 Thessalonians that the patterns we
have are __________________, not physical.
God had done a great work there, and a great __________________ grew from
the mission work of Paul and Silas.
He chose to remember the wonderful _________________ that God had done
among the believers in this city.
This was possible in part because Paul exercised his right and privilege of
________________________.
Great personal __________________ flow to the heart that is truly thankful.
Paul also remembered their _________________ of love.
One of the differences between _________________ and selfishness is that love
makes us want to serve those we love.
If we truly ________________ the promises of God, we can afford to be patient.
It was __________________ in Jesus Christ, ____________________ for Jesus
Christ and ___________________ in Jesus Christ.
First, there was the matter of how the people received the Word.
_____________________ comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
The second part of this was that the people in Thessalonica who heard the
Word became ___________________ of Paul and Silas and most importantly
the Lord.
The third part of this divine method was that these believers became
_____________________ to other believers.
Then they had a positive kind of ____________________.
It is a dynamic lesson that should be put into practice in the way we
__________________ and the way we ______________________.
32
LESSON ASSISTANCE
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and

Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
7
S
July 18, 2004
Review of the Church

1Thessalonians 2:1-20
unday Devotional
The Commission To Evangelize,

Luke 24:45-53.
Jesus appeared to two disciples on

the road to Emmaus. They were talking about what had happened in
Jerusalem. They continued talking
as Jesus joined them, but they did
not recognize Him. Jesus began to
teach these disciples beginning at
Moses and all the prophets. He said
they were slow of heart to believe all
that the prophets had spoken. Some
thought all hope was gone when
Jesus died. He reminded these two
disciples that He had told them some
things while He was with them.
Jesus opened their understanding
that they might understand the
Scriptures. He showed them that He
had to suffer and rise from the dead.
Paul defined the gospel as the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus
Daily Devotionals
M. Proclamation of Gospel, Mark

16:14-20.
T. Mission of Church, John
20:19-23.
W. Witnesses to World, Acts 1:1-9.
T. A Chosen Vessel, Acts 9:11-19.
F. Mission Vision Acts 13:1-8.
S. Ambassadors for Christ, 2
Corinthians 5:14-20.
33
according to the Scriptures (1 Cor.

15:1-4).
Repentance and the remission of
sin was to be preached in the name of
Jesus (Luke 24:47). The gospel calls
men everywhere to repent. John the
Baptist began his ministry with
Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 3:2). Study
Matthew 4:17 which states, From
that time Jesus began to preach, and
to say, Repent: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand. Paul was not
ashamed of the gospel because it is
the power of God unto salvation to all
who believe (Rom. 1:16). Jesus
taught that it was necessary to
repent in Luke 13:3, 5. If people do
not repent, they cannot be forgiven,
and the consequence is eternal death
in hell and the lake of fire.
The disciples were to start in
Jerusalem and preach repentance
and the remission of sin among all
nations. Jesus instructed His church
(churches) to go and teach all nations
(Matt. 28:20). Your sins can only be
forgiven because of Jesus Christ. It
does not matter where you live, this
truth is for all nations and peoples.
John wrote that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins in 1 John 2:2. Paul
referred to Jesus as the one mediator
between God and men in 1 Timothy
2:5. The writer of Hebrews wrote
that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us in Hebrews 7:25.
34
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will review the circumstances involved in the founding
of the church in Thessalonica.
I. ENTRUSTED WITH THE

GOSPEL (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4)
To be entrusted with the gospel is
the most awesome responsibility anyone could ever receive. Paul felt a
deep sense of duty with regard to His
stewardship as a minister of the
gospel.
The Bible is a historical book.

Most everyone is interested in history. It may be your family history or
your churchs history. History teaches
us a lot about the present. The importance of history is vital to understanding truth in the present time.
History will tell you who you are and
why. The book of Acts and the letters
of Paul are information about the history of the churches that Paul started
as a missionary. Many of the churches began when Paul went into different parts of the country preaching
Jesus Christ as the Savior of the
world. People were saved as a result
of Pauls preaching and teaching.
Paul reminded them of how he
had exhorted them, and it was not
with deceit, uncleanness, nor in
guile. He did not use flattering
words, nor a cloak of covetousness.
God was witness to this and so were
the Thessalonians. Paul and the others were gentle among them and
loved them dearly.
Our Christian walk should not be
based upon man and our response to
him, but it should be based upon the
truth. Paul exhorted them and comforted them and charged them as a
father does his children.
These believers were to walk
worthily of God who had called them
to His kingdom and glory. Our service
to the Lord should be rendered out of
love, not selfishness.
II. APOSTOLIC FORBEARANCE (1

As an apostle, Paul could have
flaunted his authority and prestige;
however, he would not do so.
III. BLAMELESS CONDUCT (1
Paul reminded the Thessalonian
believers of how he conducted himself
while he was in their midst. Then,
Paul called upon God Himself as a
witness.
IV. WALKING WORTHILY (1 Thessalonians 2:11-13)
To have a worthy walk for God, one
must be a follower of the Word.
V. THE FULL MEASURE OF SIN
(1 Thessalonians 2:14-16)
The persecution of believers is a
grave sin in the eyes of God.
VI. THE CROWN OF REJOICING
Among the rewards which Christians can earn in the service of the Lord
is the crown of rejoicing, which is sometimes called the soul-winners crown.
35
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
WALKING WITH THE LORD

Ephesians 5:1, 2
A First Look
To set these brethren on solid
ground, God inspired Paul to recount
for them some of the circumstances of
the beginning of the work of God
among them.
A Closer Look
I. A RIGHT MESSAGE (1 Thessaloians 2:2-5)
Paul did not use deceit or uncleanness or trickery to preach Jesus.
Instead, as we read in Acts 17:3, he
opened the Scriptures and showed
from them that Jesus is the Christ.
II. A RIGHT MESSENGER (1
The object and goal of Pauls ministry was to preach the gospel of God
in Thessalonica. He was dedicated to
this job and was willing to do whatever was needed to accomplish the
task.
III. A RIGHT RESULT (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
A right message preached by a
good messenger who truly cares for
those he preaches to and that falls on
good ground will produce good fruit.
The existence of the church in
Thessalonica was evidence of the
effectiveness of the ministry of Paul.
A Final Word
The overall goal of Pauls ministry
in Thessalonica was that the people
would walk worthy of God and of
their calling into His kingdom.
I. WALK ACCORDING TO HIS

WORD.
We are to walk in the light as He
is in the light (1 John 1:7). Walking
in the light is walking in accordance
to Gods Word. His Word is likened to
a lamp and a light (Psalm 119:105).
II. WALK WITHIN HIS WILL.
We are to conduct our lives and
behavior within the will of the Lord.
Jesus prayed to the heavenly Father,
Nevertheless not my will, but thine,
be done (Luke 22:42).
III. WALK IN HIS WORK.
Every saved person should walk
with the Lord in the Lords work. We
are to resist the devil in the faith (1
Peter 5:9). We are to give glory to the
Lord through His churches by Christ
Jesus (Eph. 3:21).
IV. WALK AS A WITNESS.
Jesus said that His first church
made up of individual members
would be witnesses unto Him at
home and abroad (Acts 1:8). You are a
witness for the Lord. You may be a
good one or a bad one.
V. WALK WITH HIS WAYS.
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26).
The fruit of the Spirit is described
in Galatians 5:22, 23. Our conduct
should be described by these characteristics.
36
LESSON REVIEW
This was a time of increasing persecutions and misunderstandings, and the
___________________ of these believers was being tried.
To strengthen and build up these believers, Paul __________________ them
of their beginnings and of his ministry to them.
In many ways this was a strong church because it had the benefit of the
faithful _________________ of Paul and others.
Paul began by reminding the Thessalonian brethren of the ________________
treatment that he and Silas had endured in Philippi.
Paul did not use deceit, uncleanness or trickery to ___________________
Jesus.
Paul viewed his preaching as a __________________ trust.
Paul sought to __________________ God, not men.
The simple and convicting truth of the _____________________ stands in
stark contrast to preaching based on flattery and covetousness.
The ______________ of a message has a lot to do with the __________________
of the messenger.
We learn that Paul was not a ____________________ seeker.
Paul and those who served with him were ___________________ with those
they served.
The object and goal of Pauls ministry was to preach the ___________________
of God in Thessalonica.
The existence of the church in Thessalonica was ______________________ of
the effectiveness of the ministry of Paul and Silas there.
The ____________________ is described as holy, just and unblameable.
They exhorted, comforted and charged _______________________ in the same
way a father might instruct his children.
37
LESSON ASSISTANCE
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night
and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached
unto you the gospel of God (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
July 25, 2004
Characteristics of Model Church
unday Devotional
This is the same instruction Paul gave

to young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15.
We are to add to our faith virtue, the
standard of morals presented in Gods
Word. We are to add knowledge to
virtue. The wise man teaches us that
knowledge of the holy is understanding. Peter wrote, But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
We are to add temperance to knowledge. Temperance deals with controlling emotions and desires in life. Study
what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27.
We are to add patience to temperance.
Patience helps us endure persecutions
and hardships without complaint. We
are to add godliness to patience.
Without patience we may act ungodly.
We are to live patterning our lives after
Christ. We are to add brotherly kindness to godliness. We are to be kind to
our brothers. We are to add charity to
brotherly kindness. We are to love others without expecting them to love us.
All of us would have to confess that
there is work to be done in our lives in
this area. These characteristics are not
easily developed. They are opposite to
the fleshly nature. The Holy Spirit will
help us and enable us to develop these
characteristics.
Great Christian Virtues,

2 Peter 1:5-11.
Gods divine power has given us all

things that pertain to life and godliness. The all things were given to us
through the knowledge of Him who has
called us to glory and virtue. We are
given exceeding great and precious
promises.
Our lesson today challenges us to be
comforted and established in the Lords
work. The Lord instructed the
Thessalonians to comfort one another
with the words of truth in 1 Thessalonians 4:18. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 we are
given a list of characteristics that are
needed in the Christian life.
We are to give all diligence to developing these characteristics in our lives.
Daily Devotionals
M. Preach the Gospel, Romans

1:11-17.
T. Justification by Faith, Romans
5:1-7.
W. Salvation by Grace, Ephesians
2:4-19.
T. Security of the Believer, John
10:22-30.
F. Heirs of God, Titus 3:1-8.
S. Good Soldier of Christ, 2
Timothy 2:1-5.
38
39
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will discuss the
essential elements of a model church.
I. TIMOTHY SENT TO THESSALONICA (1 Thessalonians 3: 1, 2)

Timothys mission was essentially
twofold, to establish and comfort the
members of the Thessalonian congregation.
It is not easy to live for the Lord

because we live in a sinful world.
John wrote, For all that is in the
world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes and pride of life, is
not of the Father, but is of the world
(1 John 2:16). The world has no spiritual appetite. The world will persecute and oppress those who love the
Lord and those who are serving Him.
We should want to make the
church of our membership a model
church with spiritual power and
influence. As each member develops
and grows in the Lord, a church will
manifest Christian characteristics.
When people attend your church,
either they will want to hug someone
because of the love they feel or they
will want a pair of ice skates because
of the coldness they feel in the services. A church should manifest the
fruit of the Spirit.
You will learn more about your
church and yourself during times of
trouble and conflict. You cannot
change a whole church, but you can
examine your own life and make the
necessary changes with the help of
the Lord. Your changed life will make
an impact on each individual member of your church. Study the
Scriptures in the devotional today
and make a personal application. If
every member of a church would do
so, it would affect your church as a
whole.
II. BELIEVERS AND TRIBULATION (1 Thessalonians 3:3, 4)

The reason why Paul felt that it
was important to send Timothy to
strengthen and encourage the
Thessalonian believers was because
he knew they were being beset with
afflictions.
III. A GOOD REPORT FROM TIMOTHY (1 Thessalonians 3: 5, 6)
Nothing could have been more satisfying to the apostle Paul than the
favorable report which Timothy
brought to him from the church in
Thessalonica.
IV. COMFORT AMID TRIBULATIONS (1 Thessalonians 3:7, 8)
Despite all his afflictions and distress, Paul was comforted by what
Timothy told him regarding the faith
of the Thessalonian saints.
V. PAULS THANKSGIVING (1 Thessalonians 3:9, 10)
The apostle Paul poured out his
heart in thanksgiving to God for the
joy which he experienced because of
the fidelity of the members of the
church in Thessalonica.
VI. ESTABLISHED IN HOLINESS
The apostle desired to be instrumental to the further maturity and
edification of those believers.
40
Characteristics of a Model Church
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER

Hebrews 10:25
A First Look
One of the most essential characteristics of any church is to stay
encouraged and stable in the face of
persecutions and tribulations.
I. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

WITH PRAISE.
We are to give thanks to God
always for all things (Eph. 5:20).
May we give God the credit for all of
life.
A Closer Look
I. TIMOTHYS MISSION (1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2)
Timothy was to establish these
folks. He was to encourage and
exhort them that they had not
believed in vain.
II. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

WITH PARDON.
We could testify of the Lords forgiveness and cleansing of sin in our
lives (1 John 1:9). We should forgive
our brothers in Christ.
II. THE CHURCHS NEED (1

We should not be surprised when
the trouble actually comes to pass.
Paul had done his best to warn these
folks that this would come their way
while he was there with them.
III. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

WITH PEACE.
Jesus said we would have tribulation in the world, but we can have
peace in Him (John 13:33). We are to
let the peace of God rule in our
hearts (Col. 3:15).
III. TIMOTHYS REPORT (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8)

Timothy brought a good report. In
spite of the troubles that the people
endured, they were strong in two
areas. They had a strong faith and
they had a strong love.
IV. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

WITH PURITY.
Paul wrote, Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world (Titus 2:12). We are to seek
Gods kingdom and righteousness
first (Matt. 6:33).
IV. PAULS THANKSGIVING (1

Thessalonians 3:9, 10)
The result in Pauls heart was joy
and thanksgiving. His heart was
filled with this good news.
A Final Word
From time to time we all need
encouraging. We should always be
willing to reach out in love and
encourage others and receive encouragement.
V. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

WITH PATIENCE.
We are to run the race for the Lord
with patience (Heb. 12:1). We are in a
race that lasts for a lifetime. You
must run the Christian race with
endurance of tribulation, ridicule
and oppression from the world.
Patience is manifested by the way we
react to our situations in life.
41
LESSON REVIEW
Troubles and trials of living are often used by ____________________ as
opportunities to try our faith.
In studying how Paul used his own ______________________ to encourage
the people of Thessalonica, we can be encouraged ourselves in times of
trouble.
Paul was ___________________ with the troubles and persecutions that the
church in Thessalonica was suffering.
Timothy was first and, perhaps foremost, a _________________________.
Then Timothy was a _________________________ of God.
Timothy was a ___________________.
Timothys mission was to ___________________ these folks.
In times of _______________________ we need the support and strength of
our leaders.
Paul had done his best to _________________________ these people that this
would come their way while he was there with them.
The trouble is that the outcome of temptation is often ___________________
failure.
We must remember that ___________________ is behind all situations that
tempt us to forsake Christ.
__________________ faith is that property that keeps us constant and consistent in our service for the Lord.
Timothy also brought a good report of their _____________________.
The result in Pauls heart was _________ and ___________________________.
From time to time we all need _____________________.
One of the great lessons from these verses is that as Christian brethren,
we _______________________ each other.
42
Characteristics of a Model Church
LESSON ASSISTANCE
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
August 1, 2004
Rapture of the Saints
unday Devotional
the filthy conversation of the wicked.

(For that righteous man dwelling
among them, in seeing and hearing,
vexed his righteous soul from day to
day with their unlawful deeds;) (2
Peter 2:7, 8).
The Spirit of God witnesses with
our spirit that we are the children of
God. If we are children, we are heirs
of God and joint-heirs with Christ
(Rom. 8:16, 17). The sufferings that
we experience in this brief life are not
worthy to be compared to the glory
which shall be revealed in us. Satan
makes us think our sufferings are
great and causes us to question the
Lord. By faith, we can see another
day when we will be with Jesus.
We desire earnestly to be with the
Lord. The grave is not the end of
believers. Death simply translates us
into the presence of the Lord. Paul
wrote, We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the
body, and to be present with the
Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). Paul had a desire
to depart and be with Christ (Phil.
1:23).
The redeemed have a blessed hope
in Christ. Hope gives us something to
look forward to and long for in
Christ. The hope we have in Christ
gives us an expectation that is real
and assuring. We do not have hope in
what can be seen. We wait patiently
for this hope.
The Christians Hope,

Romans 8:18-25.
Our lesson today is a study of

Jesus return for His people. This is a
great and wonderful promise that
gives hope and assurance to the
believer. There are some things that
are settled forever because they are
set forth in Gods holy Word and are
true and dependable.
As we hear of all the wickedness
in the world today, we have a deep
desire for the return of our Lord.
Reading 2 Timothy 3:1-13 is almost
like reading our daily newspaper.
The unrighteousness vexes our souls,
as it did Lot in his day. Peter wrote,
And delivered just Lot, vexed with
Daily Devotionals
M. Lords Return, Matthew 24:2731.

T. Days of Noah, Matthew 24:3644.
W. God of All Comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.
T. Comforted by Brethren, 2 Corinthians 7:5-10.
F. Comforted by Shepherd, Psalm
23:1-6.
S. The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:112.
43
44
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will have learned
how to be watchful in view of the
Lords return.
I. WALK PLEASING TO GOD

(1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2).
This means that we are to walk
each day in a manner that truly
reflects our belief that Jesus could
return for us at any moment.
The truth of the resurrection of

the saved who have died and the
translation of saved who are still living and the soon return of Jesus
Christ should cause you to live a different kind of life. If someone told
you that you would die tomorrow or
the Lord would return tomorrow and
you believed it, how would it affect
your life? There is a definite consistency of belief and behavior. The
truth is this could happen today.
First Thessalonians 4:13-18 has
been read at a lot of graveside funeral services. The family who loses a
loved one in death needs to hear
promises of God at such a difficult
time. Good words may seem to help,
but Gods Word will definitely help
the saved. Paul wrote, Wherefore
comfort one another with these
words (1 Thess. 4:18).
The truth in this passage should
cause us to guard our lives. We
should be diligent about how we live
because we will not be on the earth
forever. When this life is over, we will
give an account of the life that we
have lived to the Lord who gave it.
There are several things that you
can do that will help you be aware of
the soon return of Jesus. Develop a
life of prayer. Devote some time to
reading and studying Gods Word. Be
faithful to one of the Lords churches.
Yield your life to God by the help of
the Holy Spirit.
II. PRACTICAL HOLINESS

Paul went into some detail emphasizing the need for sexual purity
among Christians. Although this is
only one aspect of a believers daily
walk, it is a critical one because of
the far-reaching, long-lasting effects
of sexual immorality.
III. BROTHERLY LOVE
Brotherly love helps keep such
problems to a minimum. Love among
Christians also is the most convincing validation of our profession as followers of Christ (John 13:34, 35).
IV. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Apparently, some of the members
of that church were failing to provide
for the material and physical needs of
themselves and their families, an
issue which Paul would later address
more fully.
V. THE CHRISTIANS HOPE
In these verses the apostle emphasized that the return of Jesus for His
people is a source of great hope to
believers.
VI. THE COMING OF THE LORD
This passage is probably the most
complete account of the rapture of
the saints.
45
1 LESSON FOCUS
ADULT QUARTERLY
A First Look
Whatever a child of God does, he
is to do it in hope. When church
members receive and understand
this gift, they can be the most cheerful, optimistic people of earth.
A Closer Look
I. THE FRUITS OF LOVE
Love is the greatest spiritual gift,
and it is the direct commandment of
Jesus (John 13:34). It is through love
that we become effective witnesses
(John 13:35).
II. THE PROMISE OF KNOWLEDGE (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15)
God does not want us to be ignorant and He does not want us to be
without hope. The way to counteract
hopelessness is with knowledge.
III. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS
These verses give us a brief
glimpse and a concise summary of
what will happen when the Lord
returns. Jesus is coming back personally for those who die having
trusted in Him.
A Final Word
These things will happen, and
they will happen to those we love.
There is the true source of comfort
and encouragement. We must hope,
and we must love and believe all that
Jesus teaches us in His Word.
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
THE RETURN OF JESUS
John 14:1-3
I. THE PROMISE OF HIS RETURN
We are given a precious promise
in these verses. We have a promise
that He will return. The Lord has
said it and that settles it.
II. THE PERSON OF HIS RETURN
Jesus has gone to prepare us a
place, and one day He will return for
us. Jesus wants to be with us and He
wants us to be with Him.
III. THE PREACHING OF HIS
RETURN
We are to preach the soon return
of Jesus Christ. Many students of the
Bible are more interested in the time
of His return than the fact that He
will return. No one knows when He
will return. When the Father gives
the command to His Son, He will
return (Matt. 24:36).
IV. THE PEOPLE OF HIS RETURN
Jesus will return for His redeemed people. The hope of the
saved is the soon return of our Lord.
His promise gives us assurance and
hope. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 of
the text for today gives us reason for
rejoicing in the Lord.
V. THE PATIENCE AND HIS
RETURN
When will the Lord return? This
is not the most important question to
answer. A more relative question is,
What am I doing until He returns?
The saved are to work diligently for
Him and be true to His Word.
46
LESSON REVIEW
Hope, like faith and love, is a ____________________ from God.
Paul had thought it wise to send Timothy to them to see if they were able
to ___________________ this time of trials.
One of the first lessons we should learn about trouble is that when it
comes, it never ___________________ us from our other spiritual responsibilities.
Love is the ___________________ spiritual gift, and it is the direct commandment of Jesus (John 13:34).
Paul was writing to encourage them to ___________________ their love.
The second thing that Paul asks these brethren to do is related to a
____________________ attitude about love.
When we work ___________________ and sincerely at our God given task in
life, we will avoid many mental and spiritual troubles.
Perhaps the most ____________________ trial we face is to see the death of
someone we love.
God does not want us to be __________________, and He does not want us
to be without hope.
Our sorrow will not lead us to the kind of paralyzing despair that causes
us to ____________________ serving the Lord.
If we believe in ____________________, then we must also believe in the
promises that Jesus made.
Remember that we have the direct __________________ of Jesus that He is
coming again (John 14:3).
The first thing that will happen when Jesus comes is that those who have
died in Christ will be given ____________________ bodies.
The next thing that will happen is that those who are alive when Jesus
comes will be _____________________.
47
LESSON ASSISTANCE
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
10
August 8, 2004
Responsibilities of the Church
unday Devotional
was weak and the psalmist needed

the Lord and His guidance. The best
we can do is call upon the Lord for
help. Luke 18:1 states, And he
spake a parable unto them to this
end, that men ought always to pray
and not to faint. Praying is crying
out to the Lord for the things we
need. He asked the Lord to be attentive to his supplications.
In Psalm 130:5 he stated that he
waited for the Lord. His soul waited
for the Lord. One of the most difficult
things to do is to wait. It is even more
difficult to wait on the Lord. This
requires a lot of patience and grace.
The Lord will move in His own time,
not ours. He can open doors for us
and He can close them. This is called
the providence of God. When you
study the life of Joseph, you will see
many different things happened to
him. It might even seem that people
were against Joseph. As we study his
life, we recognize that the Lord was
moving all along. The Lord moved
him from a young boy into the ruling
class of the Egyptians. He told his
brothers, But as for you, ye thought
evil against me; but God meant it
unto good, to bring to pass, as it is
this day, to save much people alive
(Gen. 50:20).
We should pray to the Lord for
guidance. He knows what is best for
us. After we pray to Him about our
needs, we should give Him time to
Waiting for the Lord,

Psalm 130:1-8.
We live in busy times. Most people

do not have enough hours in the day
to do the things they want to do. We
think if we are not doing something
that we are wasting our time. This is
not always the case. In another
Psalm it states, Be still, and know
that I am God: I will be exalted
among the heathen, I will be exalted
in the earth (Psalm 46:10). Many
valuable lessons are learned during
the quiet times in our lives when we
reflect upon the things that happened to us.
The psalmist cried unto the Lord
during times of trouble and oppression. The enemy was real, the flesh
Daily Devotionals
M. Parable of Fig Tree, Matthew

24:32-36.
T. Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13.
W. Watch and Pray, Matthew
26:36-46.
T. Rejoice in the Lord, Philippians
4:1-7.
F. Live for God, 1 Peter 4:1-11.
S. Watch for Enemy, 1 Peter
5:1-11.
48
49
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will list the responsibilities for which Gods people are
accountable.
I. THE UNEXPECTEDNESS OF
CHRISTS COMING (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
Although the return of Jesus is
certain, the time of His coming is not
known by anyone except the Father
(Mark 13:32).
One of the privileges we enjoy as

humans is that of making our own
decisions and choices. Others may
have a strong influence over us, but
we will make the decision and determine to do what we want to do. This
is true also in the work of the Lord.
We are given specific and general
instructions in Gods Word to do certain things as saved people. Each
time we read Gods Word, the Lord
speaks to us about what He wants us
to do. Once we understand what He
wants us to do, we will make a decision to either do it or not do it.
Because we make the decisions, we
will certainly be accountable before
the Lord. Joshua called upon the people of Israel to decide who they would
serve. They could serve the Lord or
the other gods of the land (Joshua
24:15).
The Sunday School lesson today
instructs us in a number of things
that the Lord wants us to do. A good
exercise for you to do, would be to list
a few of the things mentioned in the
lesson. Examine your own life and
see whether you are trying to do
these things. You must understand
that the Lord does not ask you to do
something that you are not able to
do. When He instructs you, please
understand that you can obey Him
and do what He asks you to do. If you
choose not to do the will of the Lord,
you will give an account to Him.
II. PEOPLE OF THE LIGHT AND

DARKNESS (1 Thessalonians
5:4-8)
The children of the light denote
believers, while the people of darkness describe unsaved people.
III. APPOINTED TO SALVATION
Gods desire is for everyone to be
saved (2 Peter 3:9); however, for this
to become a reality for any individual, he must trust Jesus as Savior.
IV. PRACTICAL EXHORTATIONS
In this passage the apostle gives
some practical exhortations which
will help believers to live such a life.
V. GOD IS FAITHFUL (1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24).
In this passage the apostle reiterated that God is faithful, and, in so
doing, he implied that the members
of that church should be faithful also.
VI. CLOSING ADMONITIONS (1
Paul emphasized that believers
are to regard themselves as brothers
and sisters in Christ, and that such a
relationship should be characterized
by affection and respect for another.
The apostle commended his readers
to the grace of God.
50
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
THE LORD LEADS US

Psalm 23:1-3
A First Look
The twin goals of comfort and edification can only be accomplished as
each person in a local church takes
his responsibility to receive as well as
supply spiritual things.
I. THE LORD LEADS US WITH

THE SCRIPTURES.
The Word of God is inspired and is
profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
A Closer Look
I. KNOW THOSE WHO SERVE
THE LORD (1 Thessalonians 5:1113).
We must know those who labor
among us. If we get the maximum
benefit from our leadership, we will
know those who teach us.
II. THE LORD LEADS US BY HIS

SPIRIT.
The Holy Spirit dwells in the
saved person. He will guide us into
all truth (John 16:13). He reproves of
sin, judgment, and righteousness
(John 16:8). Guilt is the result of our
grieving the Spirit.
II. HELP THOSE AROUND YOU

We are to warn the unruly. We are
to comfort those who are feebleminded. We have a positive duty to be
patient with all.
III. THE LORD LEADS US IN HIS

SERVICES.
The services of the Lord are used
by Him to teach us and show us what
He wants us to be and do. He uses
the prayers, songs, lessons and sermons to lead us and guide us through
life.
III. ATTEND TO OUR OWN SPIRITUAL WELFARE (1 Thessalonians 5:16-23).

In these closing words of this epistle, Paul gave us some ways that we
can care for our own spiritual welfare. We are to be thankful for those
who labor with us, and we are to do
our best to attend to those God sends
our way.
A Final Word
When we reach the goals of spiritual comfort and edification, we come
to know God as the God of peace.
When we are wholly sanctified, we
are wholly useful to God.
IV. THE LORD LEADS US IN OUR

SITUATIONS.
Paul tells us tribulation works
patience (Rom. 5:3). Many things
happen to us for our own benefit and
maturity. We cannot control what
happens in our lives, but we can
learn from any situation.
V. THE LORD LEADS US IN OUR
SUPPLICATIONS.
Jesus gave His disciples the Model
Prayer to teach them how they
should pray. Those who genuinely
pray are fashioned and molded by the
Lord.
51
LESSON REVIEW
We receive __________________ from Gods own Word and from the care and
love of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
_____________________ is being built up and encouraged in the Lord.
These verses instruct us to take three important _____________________
steps.
We are to know those who _____________________ among us.
We should have the proper attitude of ______________________ for those God
has called to leadership positions in His churches.
We should always remember that we are commanded to __________________
each other.
We are to earnestly strive for ____________________ among ourselves.
We are to ________________________ the unruly.
We are to ________________________ those who are feeble minded.
Those who are ___________________ need to be supported.
We have a positive duty to be ____________________________ with all.
We are to be ________________________ for those who labor with us, and we
are to do our best to attend to those God sends our way.
Christians have a _______________________ to rejoice, even in the darkest
times.
We are to be in a continual state of ______________________.
We must be careful to ____________________________ the Holy Spirit to have
free reign in our lives all the time.
The last of these internal admonitions is to stay away from even the appearance of _______________________.
When we reach the goals of spiritual ________________________ and
___________________________, we come to know God as the God of peace.
52
LESSON ASSISTANCE
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
11
August 15, 2004
The Day of Vengeance
unday Devotional
will affect them and how they are to

respond to it. If we are not careful, we
will respond to sinful mens actions
in a sinful way, and this is not the
Lords will or way. We can control our
reactions to sin with the Lords help.
We are to reward no man evil for
evil. When men do evil to us, we are
not to respond with evil toward them.
We have a sinful nature that moves
us to do unto others as they do unto
us. When evil is done unto us, we are
to provide things honest in the sight
of all men.
We are to live peaceably with all
men. We are to do all that we can to
avoid doing something that would
destroy our desire to live in peace
with others. There will be some who
will not let you live in peace with
them. The saved should endure evil
from others knowing that the Lord
will take care of the matter.
The believers are not to avenge
themselves. The sinful, Adamic
nature wants to avenge wrong done
to it. Paul called upon them as dear
and beloved not to avenge themselves, but to allow the Lord to
avenge the enemy. We are not to do
something in revenge for what has
been done to us. Many have lost their
testimony for Jesus avenging themselves. The reason we are not to
avenge ourselves is that it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord (Rom. 12:19).
Vengeance Belongs to God,

Romans 12:17-21.
Paul gives a vivid description of

the traits of the people in the end
time in 2 Timothy 3:1-13. As you read
this passage, you will find that it will
be like reading a daily newspaper.
There will be a time of wickedness
and lawlessness. Jesus said in
Matthew 24:12, And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. The sinfulness of
mankind will cause the love of the
Lords people to wax cold. The Lords
people will have to live among sinful
people.
In this passage Paul instructs
believers in the way they are to live.
He teaches them how to handle the
way sinful man lives, and the way it
Daily Devotionals
M. Lords Vengeance, Isaiah

34:1-8.
T. Vengeance To Be Executed,
Micah 5:9-15.
W. Vengeance of Adversaries,
Nahum 1:1-7.
T. Vengeance in Judgment,
Hebrews 10:26-31.
F. Vengeance on Jerusalem, Luke
21:20-24.
S. Vengeance of Eternal Fire,
Jude 5-16.
53
54
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will understand that
God will punish the wicked and glorify believers.
I. THE APOSTLES GREETING (2

Thessalonians 1:1, 2)
The manner in which Paul saluted
the church in 2 Thessalonians was
essentially the same as he had done
previously.
We may think that people are getting by with sin. We hear and see
what people are doing that is against
the Word of the Lord. We may even
wonder why God does not deal with it
now.
You can know that God will deal
with those who sin against Him. The
wickedness of man will be dealt with
by the Lord in His own time. The
Bible is filled with illustrations of
God punishing the wicked for their
wicked ways. The question is not,
will God punish them but, when will
He punish them? Second Thessalonians 1:8, 9 states plainly that God
will punish them. This truth should
move every saved person to warn
those who are lost of what will happen to them because of their unbelief.
God will glorify believers. God will
honor believers. God blesses those
who put their faith in Jesus.
Believers should think of what they
have in Christ and the relationship
they have with Him. They have a
companion that will go with them
through all of life (Psalm 23:1). Study
what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9
about what God has in store for those
who love Him. We cannot comprehend what God has in store for us.
The Aim of the lesson should make
us thank God for all His blessings in
this life and the blessings that are to
come in eternity.
II. THE APOSTLES THANKSGIVING (2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4)

Paul expressed his gratitude for
the positive things which characterized that church, especially the faith,
love (charity) and patience which
those believers demonstrated.
III. THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
OF GOD (2 Thessalonians 1: 5, 6)
One of the most notable attributes
of God is His righteousness. As a
totally righteous being, He cannot
excuse, overlook or disregard sin.
IV. THE REVEALING OF CHRIST
Pauls references to the recompensing of saints and sinners points
toward the return of Jesus, the climax of which will be His coming in
power and glory.
V. EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT
The everlasting punishment of the
unsaved is not a popular topic in
todays society. Divine judgment upon
the wicked is taught more frequently
in the Bible than is the eternal bliss
of believers.
VI. GLORIFYING THE NAME OF
JESUS (2 Thessalonians 1: 11, 12)
The great purpose of Gods work in
and through His saints is that the
name of Jesus be glorified in us.
55
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
THE CONDEMNATION
John 3:18-21
A First Look
We are taught to patiently wait for
the return of our Lord, but we must
never mistake Gods patience for
indifference or negligence.
I. THE CONDEMNATION IN THE

TEXT
Someone is condemned in the text.
They are guilty, and the Lord will
pour out His wrath upon them. This
truth is verified in John 3:36.
A Closer Look
I. THE BASIS OF THANKSGIVING
Paul and those with him were
rejoicing in the way that the
brethren in Thessalonica endured
the trials and persecutions that had
come on them.
II. THE BOUNDARIES OF GODS
PATIENCE (2 Thessalonians 1:69)
For the child of God, no pain and
no problem is forever. All our trials
will soon be over. Our lives will end
or Jesus will return and our pain will
be over.
III. THE BELIEF OF THE SAINTS
The vengeance of God on the
ungodly is also the reward of God for
those who trust Him. Those who
have been born again and have
believed the gospel and the testimony of those who preach it will be
rewarded with glory.
A Final Word
As we near the return of our Lord,
we will once again face tribulations
and persecutions. Indeed, even in our
day, we see believers once again put
on trial. The outcome is that those
who believe in Jesus are ridiculed.
II. THE CAUSE IN THE TEXT

Why are they condemned? The
religious world offers many reasons
in answer to the question. The Bible
answer is they do not believe in the
name of the only begotten Son of
God.
III. THE CONFLICT IN THE TEXT
The conflict is between righteous
God and sinful man. Because man
does not believe, God has condemned
him. He will pass judgment upon him
because of unbelief. They hate the
light and love the darkness.
IV.THE CONSEQUENCES IN THE
TEXT
The result of their unbelief is condemnation, and the result of their
condemnation is hell and the lake of
fire (Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 20:11-15).
There is surely coming a reckoning
and accounting day before the Lord
(Heb. 9:27).
V. THE CURE IN THE TEXT
The solution to the condemnation
is simple. Believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ. This is what Paul told the
jailer to do in Acts 16:31. Those who
repent are to trust in Jesus Christ.
Once you do this, you are no longer
condemned.
56
LESSON ASSISTANCE
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to

them that trouble you (2 Thessalonians 1:6).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
12
August 22, 2004
The Day of the Lord
unday Devotional
what manner of persons ought ye to

be in all holy conversation and godliness (2 Peter 3:11). It would be foolish if this truth did not affect us for
the good.
In light of the soon return of Jesus,
Gods grace teaches us to live in a separated way. We are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. We are to keep
our bodies under control (1 Cor. 9:27).
We are to keep our desires under control. The lust of the flesh and eyes
and the pride of life is not of the
Father (1 John 2:15-17). These are of
the world. Paul wrote, Abstain from
all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).
The saved should present their
bodies a living sacrifice to God that is
holy and acceptable (Rom. 12:1). This
is our reasonable service. We are to
live soberly in this present world. We
are to be serious and diligent about
living for Jesus. We are to live righteously. John teaches us to walk in
the light as He is in the light (1 John
1:7). We are to follow the example
that our Lord has given to us (1 Peter
2:21).
When we keep our minds on the
appearing of Christ, we will strive to
live this kind of life for His honor and
glory. The coming Lord is the One
who gave Himself for us. He lay down
His life on Calvary as our sacrifice
and payment for our sins. He suffered
the just for the unjust that He might
bring us to God.
Looking for Glorious Appearance,

Titus 2:11-15.
Jesus has given us a special

promise in John 14:1-3. He has
promised to return for all of His children. He wants to be with us and He
wants us to be with Him. Those who
are saved are looking for our Lord to
return soon. The return of Christ is
our blessed hope in these troubled
and sinful times. The return of Christ
is a glorious appearing. Jesus came as
the lowly Lamb the first appearing,
but He will return as the conquering
King of kings and Lord of lords.
The appearing of the Lord should
motivate us to live for Him and to
serve Him with dedication and devotion. Peter wrote, Seeing then that
all these things shall be dissolved,
Daily Devotionals
M. The Second Coming of Christ,

Hebrews 9:23-28.
T. Promise of His Coming, 2
Peter 3:1-9.
W. Rapture of Saints, Revelation
4:1-5.
T. The Great Tribulation,
Revelation 7:9-17.
F. Thousand Year Reign of
Christ, Revelation 20:1-6.
S. New Heaven and Earth,
Revelation 21:1-8.
57
58
The Day of of the Lord
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will discuss the role
of the man of sin in the return of
Christ.
I. THE GATHERING UNTO THE

LORD (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2)
The substance of Pauls plea is
given in verse 2; however, among the
issues which had a critical bearing on
that plea were the attitudes and
actions of the Thessalonian believers
in regard to the rapture and related
matters.
John teaches us that every spirit

that confesses not that Jesus Christ
is come in the flesh is not of God and
is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3).
John said in his day there were many
antichrists (1 John 2:18). The spirit
of antichrist denies the Father and
the Son (1 John 2:22).
The spirit of anti-Christ opposes
the Lord Jesus and the truth. As you
examine modern trends and conceptions, you can easily see that this
world is not for our Savior and the
principles that He wants us to live by.
Do not allow the world to shake you
in mind or trouble you. You should
have a sound knowledge of Gods
Word and rely upon it.
If you know the characteristics of
anti-Christ and what he will do, you
will realize neither he nor his spirit
are from God. The only way that you
cannot be deceived is by knowing the
truth and being established in it. The
deception comes because people will
fall away from the faith. The weakness of their persuasion will cause
some to be deceived. Anytime someone wants you to depart from the
plain teachings of Gods Word, you
should realize this is not the work of
the Holy Spirit, but the spirit of
antichrist. Anyone who exalts himself and opposes God has the characteristics of the spirit of antichrist.
Do not allow the charisma of
preachers or teachers to lead you
away from the truth. Our job and joy
is to exalt and praise our Lord.
II. THE FALSE CHRIST (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5)

It seems as if they were anticipating the coming of Christ in glory at
anytime.
III. THE PRESENT RESTRAINT
It is noteworthy that Someone is
presently hindering the anti-Christs
rise to power and will continue to do
so until He is removed.
IV.THE DOOM OF THE WICKED
The followers of the anti-Christ
will perish with him. Those who reject
the true Christ and embrace instead
the anti-Christ will suffer the horrible
consequence of their decision.
V. CHOSEN TO SALVATION
This means that even before a
human being had been created, God
determined that all those who believe
on Jesus Christ as Savior will be destined for salvation.
VI. COMFORTED AND ESTABLISHED (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
These verses are a prayer in which
Paul acknowledged the consolation of
God and asked Him to comfort the
members of this church in Thessalonica.
59
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
THE PROFIT OF THE BIBLE

2 Timothy 3:16, 17
A First Look
We should realize that although
our knowledge is limited, there are
some things that are absolutely certain. We know that Jesus will come
again to this earth.
I. IT IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE.

Doctrine is simply defined as
teaching. Our teaching and belief
should be based upon Gods Word,
not the traditions of men. The Lords
Word is truth (John 17:17). Many
religious beliefs are not founded
upon Gods Word.
A Closer Look
I. DO NOT BE SHAKEN
These verses beseech us; literally,
they are begging us by the coming of
the Lord not to be troubled or shaken
as we see the day of the Lord
approaching.
II. DO NOT BE DECEIVED
The effect of many theories and
disputations about the day of the
Lord is that some can be deceived
about these events. First they deny
that they will take place at all. Then
they can be fooled about the timing of
the events.
III. DO NOT FORGET WHAT YOU
HAVE BEEN TAUGHT
(2 Thessalonians 2:5-12).
If we want to avoid confusion on
any level, we must always keep in
mind the solid certainties of our
faith. Paul had taught the brethren
in Thessalonica about these events.
Now he reminds them of some of the
things that these had learned.
A Final Word
Jesus is coming again and the day
of the Lord and the events prophesied about it are sure and certain to
happen.
II. IT IS PROFITABLE FOR REPROOF.

The Holy Spirit works with the
Word of God to reprove us of wrong or
sin in our lives. Jesus said the Spirit
will reprove of sin, judgment, and
righteousness (John 16:7-11). Every
time we read the Bible, we will be
convicted.
III. IT IS PROFITABLE FOR CORRECTION.
Gods Word is not only used to
reprove of wrong or sin, but the Word
shows us how to correct it. Peter
encourages us to grow in grace and
knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18).
IV. IT IS PROFITABLE FOR PERFECTION OR MATURITY.
Gods Word is profitable for the
perfection or maturity of His people.
The Bible is necessary for our growth
as believers (1 Peter 2:2).
V. IT IS PROFITABLE FOR EQUIPPING THE SAVED.
The Lord wants us to be diligent
servants (Rom. 12:1, 2). The only way
we can do this is by letting His Word
rule and govern our lives. The Spirit
will guide us to truth.
60
The Day of of the Lord
LESSON ASSISTANCE
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,

nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand
(2 Thessalonians 2:2).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
13
August 29, 2004
Patiently Awaiting the

Return of Christ
unday Devotional
cult to accept. He exhorted them not

to be troubled. They believed in God
and they were also to believe in Him.
We have the complete revelation of
God, and, when we study it, we cannot
understand why the disciples would
be troubled because the Lord was personally with them. Evidently, there
was some doubt about Jesus sending
the Comforter. Jesus knew how weak
they were and that they would need
some comfort in His absence.
Pauls description of the end-time
generation in 2 Timothy 3:1-13 is
awful, but it is true. Jesus reminds us
that the love of many will wax cold
because iniquity shall abound (Matt.
24:12).
The Word of God is true. Jesus has
gone to prepare a place for His people. We can rest assured knowing
that, since He has gone to prepare a
place for us, He will return one day
for us. Paul teaches us that the Lords
people are looking for that blessed
hope and glorious appearing (Titus
2:13). This is the expectation of the
redeemed.
The heart of man desires a better
society. Politicians have promised for
years that they have a plan for a better way of life. This world will continue to deteriorate. There is only one
hope for all people and that hope is
the soon return of Jesus Christ.
A Prepared Place,
John 14:1-6.
In John 13:33, Jesus told the disciples that He would only be with them
a little longer. Jesus was preparing
them for His leaving them and going
back to be with the heavenly Father.
During His last days upon the earth,
He sought to comfort and prepare the
disciples for the time when He would
no longer be personally with them.
These Scriptures have comforted
and helped Gods people through the
years. He knew the disciples would be
troubled by His leaving; yet, He had
to leave. He tried to tell them on several occasions, but they found it diffi-
Daily Devotionals
M. False Christs, Mark 13:14-23.

T. Hour Unknown, Mark 13:2833.
W. Be Watchful, Mark 13:34-37.
T. Warnings of Return, Luke
21:34-38.
F. As a Thief, 2 Peter 3:10-18.
S. Be Ready, Luke 12:35-40.
61
62
Patiently Awaiting the Return of Christ
ON TARGET
COMMENTARY OUTLINE
Aim: By the conclusion of this lesson the students will discuss how to
prepare for the return of Christ to the
earth.
I. THE UNRESTRICTED WORD

Paul asked the members of the
church in Thessalonica to pray that
the Word of God would be unrestricted.
Since it is certain and sure that

Jesus will return for His people, we
should practice some things that will
help us prepare as we wait for His
return.
We should have all confidence in
Gods Word. Gods Word is truth and
we can know the truth by knowing
Gods Word. Peter tells us that
scoffers will come in the last days
manifesting their disbelief in the
return of the Lord. We have Sunday
School classes for all ages and different classes to share the Word of God
with people. Take advantage of Bible
studies offered by your church during
the week.
The Holy Spirit will help you practice the principles of Gods Word. The
churches are to teach members to
observe or practice the all commands
of Christ (Matt. 28:20). James teaches us to be doers of the Word and not
hearers only (James 1:22). We are to
desire the sincere milk of the Word
that we may grow thereby (1 Peter
2:2).
You need to associate with believers in fellowship. You need to be with
the Lords people regularly. We are to
exhort or encourage one another as
that day is approaching (Heb. 10:25).
The closer we get to the Lords
return, the more we need to meet and
encourage one another. When we
meet, we should pray for one another
and be witnesses of Jesus until He
returns (Acts 1:8).
II. THE FIDELITY OF GOD

Regardless of what happens or
does not happen, one can always
depend on God to keep His promises
and fulfill His Word.
III. THE APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE
Paul proceeded to give the Thessalonian saints some instructions for
dealing with disorderly brethren. He
and his missionary companions had
set the proper example for that
church.
IV.THE APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
Labor itself is not demeaning to
human beings. It is demeaning if one
can work, but refuses to do so.
V. THE NEED FOR GENTLE FIRMNESS (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
The apostle addressed the members of the Thessalonian church who
were serving God faithfully and
maintaining a positive Christian testimony to the world.
VI. THE BENEDICTION OF PEACE
These verses provide a calm and
serene conclusion to a letter which
includes several stern and turbulent
passages.
63
1 LESSON FOCUS
2 LETS BE PRACTICAL
ADULT QUARTERLY
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 10-15
THE KIND OF BELIEVER

YOU NEED TO BE
2 Peter 3:11
A First Look
Although we should live in constant expectation of the return of
Jesus, we should never withdraw
from our service to God and simply
wait for Jesus to come back.
A Closer Look
I. A PRAYER REQUEST (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
Paul needed encouragement and
prayer as much as the church in
Thessalonica needed these things.
II. AN EXPECTANT ATTITUDE
He trusted God to deal with the
problems in this church and he trusted the believers in the church to keep
their faith intact.
III. AN ADMONITION TO LABOR
He exhorted them to work with
quietness. Paul admonished these
people to eat their own bread.
IV. DEALING WITH THE DISOBEDIENT (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
We are not to regard this disobedient person as an enemy; instead, we
are to admonish him as a brother.
A Final Word
We can have peace, patience and
fellowship with each other. These
wonderful things can keep us through
any trial and make us anticipate the
return of our Lord.
I. BE A FAITHFUL BELIEVER.
In light of the soon return of the
Lord, what kind of person should you
be? You need to be faithful to the
Lord, His Word and work.
II. BE A FRUITFUL BELIEVER.
The Lord saved us to bear fruit to
His honor and glory. In John 15:1-8
the Lord teaches His disciples to bear
fruit, more fruit and much fruit.
III. BE A FELLOWSHIPPING
BELIEVER .
We are to fellowship with the Lord
and with His wonderful redeemed
people. As the day of the Lord
approaches, we are to exhort one
another so much the more (Heb.
10:25).
IV. BE A FIGHTING BELIEVER.
Living for the Lord in these last
days is not a picnic or social event; it
is a battlefield. We are to be fighters.
We are to fight Satan, sin and self (1
Peter 5:8, 9). Although Paul was
addressing preachers in 2 Timothy
2:1-4, the truth applies to all of the
Lords people. Paul describes the
armor that we are to put on for this
fight in Ephesians 6:10-18.
V. BE A FRIENDLY BELIEVER
Jesus was a friend to sinners. We
should desire to be a friend to all that
we come in contact with. Lost people
need a friend to tell them about the
gospel of Jesus Christ. The saved
need friends to encourage them in
their Christian lives.
64
Patiently Awaiting the Return of Christ
LESSON ASSISTANCE
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient
waiting for Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
CLASS AGENDA
Warm-up
5 Minutes
Bible
Exploration
20-25 Minutes
Application
5-10 Minutes
Closing
5 Minutes

Focus.
Quickly review the lesson. Close with prayer including requests
made in class for those who may yet be unsaved.

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SUMMER QUARTER, 2004

Living for Christ in

American Baptist Association

er it be good, or whether it be evil

The Bible is an illustrative book

I. THE TEST OF FAITH (James 1:14)

The lesson today teaches that the

II. WISDOM FROM GOD (James

THE STEPS IN COMMITTING SIN

Greet your class members.

June 13, 2004

Full of Good Works,

M.Abrahams Good Works,

I. THE SIN OF SNOBBERY (James

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in

II. THE TRULY RICH (James 2:5-7)

WALKING IN GOOD WORKS

I. THE FATHER AND GOOD

II. THE FAITH AND GOOD WORKS

Greet your class members.

June 20, 2004

Controlling the Tongue

The psalmist decided to take heed

The key verse for todays lesson is

M. Wholesome Tongue, Proverbs

Controlling the Tongue

James gave a serious admonition

II. RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE

Text: James 3:1-18

Controlling the Tongue

Text: James 3:1-18

Greet your class members.

June 27, 2004

fleshly nature will never submit to

The Warning of Esau,

The admonition in the lesson

M. Kept from Wickedness, Psalm

Text: James 4:1-17

I. REASONS FOR UNANSWERED

We live in a dark and sinful world.

II. SPIRITUAL ADULTERY (James

Text: James 4:1-17

Greet your class members.

do. He wrote, Pray without ceasing

One of the greatest privileges of

M. Elijahs Prayer, 1 Kings 18:3039.

I. SELFISH HOARDING (James

The saved can testify of what the

II. DISHONEST ACQUISITION

Text: James 5:1-20

I. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PRAISE

II. FERVENT PRAYERS IN PROBLEMS

Text: James 5:1-20

Greet your class members.

July 11, 2004

Reputation of the Church

Spirit reveals that these characteristics are not of this world.

Fruit of the Spirit,

In chapter 5 of Galatians, Paul sets

M. Gods Vessels, 2 Timothy 2:1926.

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

I. THE GREETING (1 Thessalonians