Topic: Obedience
Topic Title: Listen and Do
[Brice Williams, et;al ]
Activity:
- Play name that tune with a cd player. Play popular songs or television jingles.
{ note: one question removed to avoid extending lesson}
Opening Question:
- What is your name+ what is the key to doing well in this game?
Alternate Question:
- What is your name+ what song would’ve come on and you would’ve IMMEDIATELY recognized it?
[Verse 1: James 1:19-22 ]
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
- Recap: This is a practical book, not written to any specific church but to disciples everywhere. It talks about overcoming tough times, being blessed by God, how to be stable, fighting temptations and other vital topics that are important in living Christian life. Let’s discuss together this vital topic of listening!
Question 1:
- What is the key to being a great listener?
Not having presupposed ideas or prejudging (like being on a jury)
Understanding the demeanor of the person (body language, etc)
Understanding the full scope of where the person is coming from (such as a spouse or child, etc)
The same thing apples to the word of God.
Question 2:
- What keeps us from being great listeners to the word of God?
Past experiences, already formed opinions, traditions, upbringing
The word of God can save youV21
Listening to and accepting the word of God is crucial to your salvation!
Question 3:
- How can you tell when someone doesn’t want to obey God’s word?
Very simple-they don’t obey it!
[Verse 2: James 1:23-25]
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Question 4:
- Why is the bible compared to a mirror?
It reveals who we are, lets us see ourselves as we really are, and exposes the inside, whether we want to see it or not. Most people do not want to be exposed. Have you ever seen anyone caught on hidden camera. People generally hate their thoughts and actions to be exposed.
Question 5:
- How do we respond when hear the Word, but have no intention of obeying it?
That was a “nice” sermon
That was a “nice” Bible talk
I’m not sure the scripture actually means that?
That is just their interpretation
“To each his own”
Question 6:
- What are some excuses we use for not obeying?
There are no absolutes, that was then this is now, my family….
I’m a special case, I didn’t like the way he said it to me….
You can’t take it literally; I don’t think a loving God would…
Foolish! When we do this we are saying “That’s nice, God, but here is what I think would be a better idea…”
[Verse 3: John 14:15]
Question 7:
- What is someone telling God with their actions if they don’t obey his word?
I don’t love you God
I love me more
I want what I want more than my creator’s happiness
Question 8:
- What our only options?
Continue to be foolish
Break the mirror (Bible)
Do something about it-Change!
[Conclusion:]
- It is wise to LISTEN to the eternal artist of this universe. The incredible thing is when we put Gods word into practice, it not only prepares us for judgment day, but it makes our lives better in every area because it gives us an INTANGIBLE GOAL. Are you listening to and obeying Gods word in your daily lives or living by your own song? Regardless of what your answers may be, I encourage you to study the Bible with whoever invited you so you don’t just read the word but learn to do what it says.
And that is Bible Talk!