Making a Difference for Youth:  Building Great Bible Classes

 

2003039

Topic # 0025

 

Introduction:

A.     That God should be first priority in life is seen throughout Scripture:

1.      Mt. 22:36-40 – first great commandment

2.      Col. 3:2 – Set mind on thing above…

3.      Mt. 6:33 – Seek first…

B.     To be successful – we must serve God out of deep conviction of heart.

1.      Thoughts on conviction…

2.      Conviction must be readily seen.  Can children see it in us?  As parents?  As a congregation? 

C.    Parents:  do they see God alive in us?  Are we teaching our kids about God? (Eph. 6:4)

1.      Are we instilling in them a sense of loyalty to God?

D.    As a congregation: what role are we playing?

1.      there is a role the congregation can play in making sure younger generations grow up w/a strong; vibrant love for God.

2.      Today…we’ll discuss what that role is.  Primary responsibility:  providing great bible classes. 

3.      As a congregation…can we take it to the next level?  Yes!!! Eph. 3:20 How?

4.      Pray for success! 

a)     For realization of just how important this responsibility is. 

b)     For courage to challenge the status quo. 

c)      For a willingness to search for relevant; exciting; effective; and biblical means of teaching.

5.      Work for success!  Where we follow through & execute a plan.

E.     Just how important is this?  2 Tim. 2:2.  Note an application from this verse:

1.      Church is one generation from apostasy. 

2.      Some among us claim we in midst of a generation that has forsaken God.

a)     Some among us have turned away from Bible centered religions toward more denominational ways.

b)     Let us determine that w/God’s help this will NOT be the case here!

F.     Let us resolve today to do everything biblically possible to live the Christian life – showing our kids by precept & example what the Christian life is all about!

 

I.  The basics:

A.  We need to bring children up in God’s truth.

1.      What does God want of us?  Micah 6:8.  To change our heart.  Actions here are evidence of it.  Should want kids to do this.

2.      Condition in Micah 6:8 does not just “happen.”

3.      Comes through years of nurturing; tender care; gentle instruction; and strong correction.

B.     Involves teaching.  Just how important was it to Israel?

1.               Duet. 6:6-9 – started in early years on teaching children commandments of God.

a)       No time like now to begin!  Don’t wait – no matter how young they are.

b)       Your child is never too young to understand importance of serving God!

2.               Deut. 11:18-21 – God and His teachings discussed regularly.

a)       How often spiritual things discussed in your home?

1)       Griping about what wrong w/church or brethren doesn’t count.

b)       Encourage kids to study?  Do bible class lessons?

c)       Do we study w/them?

3.               Pro. 22:6 - Do we believe this?

4.               Eph. 6:4 – are we living up to this command?

C.    2 Tim. 1:3-5; 3:14-15 – a success story…

1.               What kind of impact did Lois & Eunice have on Timothy?

a)       Tremendous. 

b)       They instilled in Timothy a love/respect for God so strong that he would go out & touch the lives of 1000’s.

c)       Paul’s praise: Phil. 2:19-22

2.               Where did it start?  Teaching; training; parents LIVING the example!

D.    1 Sam. 2, 3, 4 – a story w/a not so good ending.

1.               Eli = a judge in Israel; also the high priest.

2.               2:12 – Eli’s sons were worthless men.

a)       2:17 – despised offering – sin was very great.

b)       2:22 – evil known throughout Israel.  Committed fornication w/women at temple.

3.               2:23-25 – Eli aware of their behavior – issues only a mild protest.  Should have received a stunning rebuke!

4.               What led them to live in such a rebellious way?  Not told for sure.

a)       2:13a – lack of teaching?

b)       Lack of conviction on Eli’s part?

5.               What happened?  God killed Hophni & Phinehas. 

a)       2:31-36 – their evil brought down the entire family.

E.     So parents. Let’s realize responsibility we have to bring kids up properly.

1.               Pride instilled when kids do well in school/sports.  Good report card; excel in sports; school activities.

2.               How much more joy when kids bragged on for spiritual service & love for God? 

3.               Yet spiritual growth is often hampered by school activities & sports!

4.               WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT ETERNALLY SPEAKING?

 

II. God has provided us with some great tools – let’s use them!

A.     We can help each other help our kids grow into God’s kind of Christian!

1.      God has blessed us w/a # of effective tools!  1 of them = great bible classes!

2.      This is an incredible way to make a difference!  How?

B.     2 Tim. 2:24 – apt to teach. 

1.      Must upgrade bible classes to best quality of teaching!

2.      Renew commitment to instill in our kids a great love & reverence for God & the bible!

3.      We need enthusiastic; high energy; high quality bible classes!

4.      Think…how far ahead we are right now w/bible class program here – especially when compared to other congregations.

5.      In other places BC almost an afterthought – conducted w/casual ease.

6.      Message that comes across is – we don’t care enough about bringing up our young folks.

C.    But…let’s improve on what we have!  Take it to next level.

1.      Elders are working on that now.  Groups have been formed – to rework the curriculum for many of our classes.  But..There’s more!  You can help!  How?

2.      Volunteer to teach.

a)       No better way to learn God’s word than to roll up sleeves & help others learn.

1)       You’ll have fun while doing it!

2)       Experience personal joy & satisfaction b/c you know you are helping out in at least some small way!

b)       Ladies – don’t forget upcoming teacher’s worship on 09/20.

c)       Thanks to all of you who signed up to teach 4^th & 1^st quarters!

3.      Attend these classes!

a)     Hard to have good class if no one there.

4.      Be prepared & ready to answer/contribute.

a)     Don’t just sit there…communicate!

b)     Do your bible class lesson!

5.      Begin building enthusiasm…

a)     Build it to point EVERYONE talking about them – telling friends & neighbors.

b)     Good bible classes are critical to growth.  It’s a tool to convert the lost!

c)      <think of who you can invite to these classes> 

d)     Make up invitations?  Pass out?

6.      Exhibit dependability.

a)     Many congregations have large %’s of undependable members.

b)     Effectiveness of bible classes compromised from teaching and attendance standpoint when this occurs.

c)      Why many programs suffer.

d)     To have a thoroughly effective edification program – we need members who presence & work can be depended upon!

e)     Can He depend on you?

 

Conclusion:

A.     Easy to take negative approach.  Things are bad; this is the worst generation ever…bad kids everywhere…

1.      This is not the faithful approach.  God not pleased!

B.     Consider the potential; talent; good things our kids already have.  Many of our young people are MILES ahead of their peers in the world…morally & spiritually.

1.      Think of how we can further equip them to do the Lord’s will.  Eph. 4:15-16.

2.      The generation to come CAN BE the BEST ever…IF we do our part…NOW!

3.      Eph. 3:20

C.     What a tremendous responsibility.  Yes…the church IS one generation from apostasy. 

D.     But…What an important honor – and it is one we CAN have success in if we move w/conviction.

E.     Remember scriptures we started lesson with:

1.      Mt. 22:36-40; Col. 3:2; Mt. 6:33

2.      Does this describe you?  If not, why not?

F.      Become a Christian today!

G.     I N V I T A T I O N