Standard Lesson

In the World – February 26, 2012

ron — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:05:10 +0000

Download In the World for February 26, 2012, here. (PDF)

NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING . . .

Between next Tuesday and March 6, there are 13 Republican primaries and caucuses that will put up for grabs 518 of the 1,144 delegates needed to win that party’s presidential nomination. Chances are that we will continue to see the four remaining candidates flailing away at each other while boasting of his own qualifications to challenge President Obama in November. As in most political campaigns—whether between the two major political parties or within each party—it seems that attack ads, playing loose with the facts, and name-calling characterize the discourse. However, voters themselves are not guiltless, since polls show that attack ads really do work, even as many voters decry them.

. . . VERSUS POSITIVE LIVING

The fruit of the Spirit that we read about in today’s text seems to be largely absent in political contests. We may not find that surprising from candidates who seem bent on getting elected at any and all cost, but what about the Christians who are working in those political campaigns? Even after an election is over, Christians have been known to join the chorus of relentless negative attacks on elected officials. For Christians who participate in the political process this way, we may wonder how it is possible for them to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17)!

1. How can we account for the fact that negative, attack ads really do work, even as many voters claim to dislike them?

2. Given what seems to be required to get elected, is it possible for a Christian to be successful and effective in politics while exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit? Why, or why not?

3. How can Christians use their influence to contribute “light” rather than “heat” to the dialogue of a political campaign?

4. How has manifesting the fruit of the Spirit helped you “reap what you sow” in a positive sense?

5. What have you found to be a key for developing the fruit of the Spirit in your life?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – February 19, 2012

ron — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:46:56 +0000

Download In the World for February 19, 2012, here. (PDF)

GREATNESS CUT SHORT

Whitney Houston’s death at age 48 brought to an end a stellar career and a troubled life, just before the music industry celebrated its annual Grammy awards on Sunday. Her death immediately raised suspicions that her past troubles with drugs had returned to destroy her, although toxicology results have yet to confirm or deny that speculation. What is not in doubt, however, is that her history of substance abuse—alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs—had sullied her reputation long before her death. The popularity of singing contests such as American Idol reveal the desire of many to have the greatness of a Whitney Houston; but it’s safe to say that no sane person desires the kind of end she experienced.

GREATNESS FOR ETERNITY

Today’s lesson tells us about the kind of greatness anyone can and should have: to be an heir of God through Christ. God’s promise allows us to realize our position as his children as it breaks our bondage to sin. We are no longer its slaves; in fact, we are dead to sin (Romans 6:2). As spiritual descendants of Abraham, God allows us to share in the greatness of that man’s faith. We have no need to look to the dead-end, death-dealing satisfactions of this world.

1. Why do those who are blessed with talent such as Whitney Houston’s seem so susceptible to the destructive forces of sin?

2. What lessons should we learn from the downfalls of people who embrace the world’s acclaim and adoration?

3. When thinking of gifted Christians who have fallen, under what circumstances can we say that their giftedness contributed to their downfall, if any?

4. How has God’s great promise through Christ helped you break your bondage to “the elements of the world” (Galatians 4:3, KJV)?

5. Would it be fair to say that Whitney Houston had enslaved herself to the “elements” of Galatians 4:3? Why, or why not?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – February 12, 2012

ron — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:51:39 +0000

Download In the World for February 12, 2012 here. (PDF)

LIMITS OF THE RULE OF LAW

The violence in Syria continues, and about 6,000 protesters have been killed since the beginning of the uprising in March 2011. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad remains determined to quash the protest being waged against his government. A few days ago, President Obama stated his desire for Syria to return to the rule of law. But on the same day, the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution condemning the Syrian government’s crushing of dissent. Even if the resolution had passed, it is unlikely that passing a “law” would end Syria’s strife. The Syrian government could merely point out that it has indeed operated under the rule of law since 1963: the country’s so-called Emergency Law, which effectively denies constitutional protections for citizens in favor of the security forces’ broad powers to arrest and detain.

POWER OF THE RULE OF THE SPIRIT

The Judaizers in Galatia worked under the illusion that strict adherence to the Law of Moses was essential for Christians. That law is good (Romans 7:7, 16), but it cannot save. Outward behavior may change if punishment for lawbreaking is severe enough, but the key to wanting to do right is found in changing the human heart. That change comes about by the presence of the Holy Spirit’s working in a faith-filled believer.

1. Is it realistic to expect power struggles such as the one taking place in Syria to be resolved through diplomacy? Why, or why not?

2. In what areas of life do you find it hardest to live by the rule of the Holy Spirit? Why?

3. What are some examples of how modern Christians seek to be justified by works of law?

4. What was a time when you sought to improve your relationship with God by performing good works rather than through faith? What was the result?

5. In the process of rejecting the extreme of legalism, how do we keep from going to the other extreme of license in relation to God’s law? (See Jude 4.)

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – February 5, 2012

ron — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:03:04 +0000

Download In the World for February 5, 2012 here. (PDF)

THE ABSENCE OF GRACE

On Sunday, a Canadian jury handed down first-degree murder convictions to Mohammad Shafia, his second wife in a polygamous marriage, and their son. The three had been charged with killing the man’s other wife and his three teenage daughters under the concept of “honor killing” in Islamic law. The teen victims were said to have brought shame on the family by defying a strict dress code, dating, socializing, and using the Internet. After the verdict, Canadian Justice Minister Rob Nicholson characterized honor killings as “barbaric and unacceptable in Canada.” Apparently, there is no concept of grace within the honor-killing system.

THE TRIUMPH OF GRACE

Christians in Galatia of the first century had been saved by accepting the grace of Christ in God’s plan of salvation, just as all other Christians are. However, Judaizers intervened and demanded strict adherence to the Old Testament law and Jewish traditions. In effect, the Judaizers claimed that the way into the church passed through the synagogue. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, judged this viewpoint as unacceptable. Then as now, the freedom in Christ that grace brings must be defended.

1. What are some tensions that religious people face when living under secular laws?

2. When have you seen legalism displace grace in a church? What was the result?

3. Under what circumstances is the Christian obligated to obey God in defiance of governmental authority (Acts 4:19; 5:29)?

4. How should Christian parents deal with a situation in which their children are not living up to the moral and ethical ideals of Christianity?

5. Was there ever a time when you sought to be right with God through your good deeds (works of law) instead of through the grace of Christ? If so, how did things turn out?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – January 29, 2012

ron — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:03:54 +0000

Download In the World for January 29, 2012 here. (PDF)

FREEDOM IN EGYPT?

Leaders in America and other western democracies continue to watch events in Egypt nervously. That country—which controls the vital Suez Canal—continues to experience a move toward democracy that has been anything but smooth following last February’s revolution. Parliamentary elections that concluded last week saw Islamist parties capture over two-thirds of the vote. Some Islamists are moderates who advocate significant levels of freedom. Others, such as the hardline Islamist Salafi al-Nour party (which won more than a fifth of the vote), advocate the immediate enforcement of strict Sharia law on Egyptian citizens. There is widespread resistance in Egypt to allowing freedom as Americans experience it, and no one knows how the current political tug-of-war will end.

FREEDOM FROM EGYPT!

When God acted to free Israel from generations of slavery in Egypt, the move came swiftly and with specific direction. Moses relayed God’s instructions that the Israelites were to obey. Crossing the Red Sea to freedom by God’s miraculous intervention resulted in the song of praise we see in today’s text. But the gratitude was short-lived as the people began to complain. Eventually, people would even express a desire to pick a new leader and go back to Egypt! Then as now, people do not always embrace the concept of freedom as one might think that they should.

1. Why is modern Egypt having such difficulty in creating a free society?

2. How can Christians do better at handling the responsibilities of political freedom (1 Peter 2:13-17; etc.)?

3. What are some responsibilities of freedom in Christ that Christians do not always handle well (1 Corinthians 8; Galatians 5:1-18; Colossians 2:20-23; etc.)?

4. In what way is spiritual freedom analogous to political freedom in terms of the challenges placed before us?

5. What lessons can we learn from ancient Israel’s reactions to their circumstances?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – January 22, 2012

ron — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:30 +0000

Download In the World for January 22, 2012 here. (PDF)

CHARACTER IN DOUBT

Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ill-fated Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia, was arrested a few days ago. He is suspected of having piloted his ship recklessly, without regard for the lives entrusted to him. The result was a capsized vessel, which he is accused of having abandoned before all the passengers had gotten off. If these allegations prove to be true, it means that the captain not only was criminally negligent, he also violated a time-honored custom of seamanship that the captain is the last one off a doomed ship. Several people have died in this tragedy so far, and the death toll may rise.

CHARACTER NOT IN DOUBT

Joseph’s character, by contrast, was unimpeachable. Throughout his time in Egypt, he demonstrated integrity and faithfulness in situation after situation. Although his brothers’ actions had resulted in his “abandonment” in Egypt, he did not abandon them when they needed his help. Joseph acted with compassion instead of exacting vengeance. The promise of his continuing care for his brothers and their families was further evidence of Joseph’s character.

1. What kind of screening process, if any, could be used to determine a person’s character before placing him or her in a leadership position?

2. Are any of Joseph’s interactions with his brothers in Genesis 42–46 a blemish on his character? Why, or why not?

3. How was Joseph able to reach the point in his spiritual growth that he could affirm God’s bigger plan within his brothers intent to harm him?

4. Why do Christians sometimes fail to show the kind of leadership characteristics Joseph did? How do we improve in this regard?

5. What was a time when God took something bad or evil that happened to you and turned it into something for the good?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – January 15, 2012

ron — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:59:34 +0000

Download In the World for January 15, 2012 here. (PDF)

PROTECTING AN ECONOMY

The fragile state of the U.S. economy continues to wear on people’s minds. More uncertainty was added recently when the government of Iran warned the U.S. to keep its navy out of the Persian Gulf. Much oil used by the U.S. passes through that area, and any serious attempt by Iran to close off that supply route would be an economic earthquake to the U.S. But subsequent to the Iranian threat, the U.S. Navy rescued 13 malnourished Iranian fishermen from their captivity by Somali pirates. Five days later, the U.S. Navy rescued 6 more Iranian mariners, this time because their boat was taking on water. Some think these actions may soften Iran’s stance toward the U.S., but only time will tell.

PRESERVING A REMNANT

The economy of Joseph’s homeland was in shambles because of famine, so Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt to buy food. But it turned out that Joseph’s unfair captivity in that place (which his brothers had instigated) was for a bigger purpose, a great deliverance by God. Joseph, recognizing this, set aside his grievances with his brothers and came to their rescue. The remnant that was thereby preserved eventually became the people that would usher the Messiah into the world. Talk about a bigger plan!

1. How can we set aside our worries about the economy in order to be open to a bigger plan that God may be using that fragile economy for?

2. Is a situation where we can do good for someone else always to be interpreted as a God-sent opportunity? Why, or why not?

3. How do you know when it is time to set differences aside and help someone who has wronged you?

4. How have you responded when someone has shown kindness to you after you had wronged him or her in some way?

5. When was a time you returned ill for ill to someone who wronged you? How did you grow spiritually from that incident?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – January 8, 2012

ron — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:55:49 +0000

Download In the World for January 8, 2012 here. (PDF)

ALL OVER THE STATE OF IOWA

Tuesday was caucus day in Iowa. Republican presidential hopefuls have been traveling all over the state in recent weeks, trying to garner support for caucus day. There has been the usual “piling on” against whomever was the frontrunner on a given day. Each candidate has tried to appear to be more politically astute, more emotionally stable, more “in touch,” more whatever he or she thinks will set him or her apart from the pack. And so we expect it to go until the November election.

ALL OVER THE LAND OF EGYPT

Today’s text tells us that Joseph traveled all over the land of Egypt. Unlike the presidential candidates of today, however, he was not seeking to be elected to a position. He already had been appointed for his task, and he was going throughout the land so the people could see that he had Pharaoh’s approval. Because God had blessed Joseph, his credentials had already been established. Pharaoh was wise enough to recognize that, and he made his choice of Joseph to be second-in-command accordingly.

1. Is there more than one kind of wisdom to exercise in deciding whom to vote for? Explain.

2. Should we hold our leaders (in either politics or the church) to a higher standard than everyone else? Why, or why not?

3. Thinking about Pharaoh’s realization that Joseph had the Spirit of God, what is the evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your own life?

4. Is success in life (as Joseph experienced) always an indication of God’s approval? Why, or why not?

5. Is a lack of success in life (as the world views lack of success) always an indication of God’s disapproval? Why, or why not?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – January 1, 2012

ron — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:59:09 +0000

Download In the World for January 1, 2012 here. (PDF)

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Newt Gingrich’s presidential aspirations may be damaged by recently disclosed legal documents. CNN reported on Monday that it had found court papers from 1980 regarding his first divorce that seem to contradict his claim that his wife had sought the divorce. Jackie Battley Gingrich’s response to the divorce court said, “Defendant shows that she has adequate and ample grounds for divorce, but that she does not desire one at this time.” In 1985, she was quoted by the Washington Post as having said that the divorce “came as a complete surprise” to her. Newt Gingrich acknowledges that he was having an affair at the time. Even so, whenever a political candidate (of any party) is claimed to have been less than truthful or has engaged in immoral behavior, there will be supporters who contend that what a candidate does in his or her personal life has no bearing on being qualified for public office.

GOD SAID, HE SAID

Sexual relationships outside of marriage always provide opportunity for Satan to destroy relationships and reputations. Potiphar’s wife was willing to risk her marriage in her attempt to seduce Joseph. His response was, in essence, “You say yes, but God says no. Therefore, I say no as well.” Joseph honored his duty as a trusted servant of both God and Potiphar. But Joseph paid a price for his stand: Mrs. Potiphar got revenge by accusing him of attacking her.

1. What role should a political candidate’s “moral track record” play in determining how Christians should cast their votes?

2. In what areas besides sexual morality can Christian character help us overcome temptation?

3. How does Joseph’s reactions to the advances of Potiphar’s wife compare with Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 6:18?

4. Since the Ten Commandments had not yet been given, how did Joseph know that the suggestion of Potiphar’s wife involved sin? How does Romans 1:18-20 inform your answer?

5. In resisting temptation, is it always enough simply to say “God says not to”? Explain.

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.

In the World – December 25, 2011

ron — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:54:45 +0000

Download In the World for December 25, 2011 here. (PDF)

DEATH OF ANOTHER TYRANT

Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s “Dear Leader,” died of heart failure a few days ago. His title was part of a Communist Party propaganda barrage, as were the claims that his birth on Korea’s highest mountain had been foretold by a magic swallow and that a new star appeared in the sky at the birth. Kim Jong Il was portrayed to his people as a benevolent leader. In truth, he was a brutal dictator who spent lavishly to build a nuclear arsenal to use as international blackmail. While most North Koreans lived in abject poverty, Kim Jong Il lived extravagantly. The extravagance included the illicit companionship of hundreds of young women who constituted his “Joy Brigade.”

BIRTH OF A BENEVOLENT SAVIOR

Skeptics might say the respective “party lines” about Kim Jong Il’s birth and the biblical narratives of Jesus’ birth are similarly fantastic. But the evidence of history tells us that the former was inspired by a human propaganda machine to make a tyrant look good, while the latter was inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell the truth about the Savior. The difference is sharper still when we contrast the lives of Kim Jong Il and Jesus. One lived selfishly, taking from others; the other lived selflessly, eventually giving up his life in paying sin’s price that we might spend eternity with God.

1. Thinking about how God worked through the reign of Caesar Augustus to bring Jesus into the world, how might God work through the reign of Kim Jong Il’s successor?

2. What are some contrasts between the way leaders like Kim Jong Il portray themselves and the way God chose to reveal himself in Christ?

3. Thinking about the last time God presented you with a difficult challenge, was your reaction as filled with praise as Mary’s? Why, or why not?

4. What do we learn about God as we ponder how he chose to bring the Messiah into the world?

5. How has God worked in surprising ways in your life?

—Charles R. Boatman

http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get

Each download is for the use of one church only.