INITIATION:
“But why can’t I Do it?” . “Because I said so, that’s why!”
Did you ever have that conversation with your parents as a kid? It’s reasonable for parents to expect obedience. But it’s also natural for young people — especially teens — to challenge the rationale behind these expectations. And just as they question their parents’ guidelines, they may sometimes wonder about God’s. Even if they haven’t asked, there may be teens in your class who struggle with questions of why God encourages certain behaviours and forbids others. After all, we live in a society that tends to reject moral absolutes in favour of doing whatever feels good and right.
So, where do we get our standards of right and wrong? Is the Bible a set of arbitrary rules meant to restrict our freedom? This week’s study addresses these questions and demonstrates that the Bible is more than a list of things we have to do — or not do — simply because God said so. The Bible reveals who God is, and His standards of truth reflect His character.
As you present this study, encourage honest discussion. Remind students that God invites them to bring their questions and doubts to Him. Assure them that God’s truth isn’t designed to hold them back, but to lead them into a relationship with Christ and an eternity in God’s presence — not just because of what He says, but because of who He is.
UNIT 5:
ONE WAY
BIBLE TEXT:
Exo 33.13; Deut 10:12-13; Judges 21:25; Psalm 19:7-9; John 14:6; Gal 3:24; 1 John 5:3
SUBJECT:
THE ONLY TRUTH - Confronting Moral and Ethical Pluralism (Part 2)
KEY VERSE:
This is good, and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:34 KJV).
THE BASIC MESSAGE:
Explain To Students The Followings:
• WHATS THE BIG IDEA?
God’s character sets the standard of right and wrong.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Moral relativism — the notion that people can determine for themselves what’s right and wrong – is spiritually devastating.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Pattern your choices and behaviour by the principles in God’s Word.
>>Activity Option:
CHANGING THE RULES
Have students stand and form a circle in the centre of the class. Provide balloon and instruct them to pass it around as quickly as possible. Explain that when someone drops the balloon, that person is eliminated and must sit down, while the last person standing will be the winner. Few seconds into the game, explain that because a winner needs to emerge, every participant is allowed to change the rule at any time to suit him or her; all he or she needs to do is to shout out “New Rule.”
Any other participant who is not comfortable with that rule can, after a couple of seconds, call out for a “New Rule.” After a couple of minutes, stop the game and discuss the following questions:
• Would this arrangement work well in organized sports? In school classrooms? In life? Explain.
• If you could change one rule that affects your life, what would it be?
>>Guide: Explain that we need some standards and guidelines to follow in our daily lives. But as flawed human beings, we're not qualified to establish these guidelines on our own. This is basically because each person has a unique set of personal opinions, perspectives, biases, and selfish motives. Our standards must be established by something — or someone — greater than ourselves.
>>Study Overview:
Explain that today's study considers...
• How God's commands are rooted in His character.
• Why we must have standard of right and wrong.
• Why we can know with certainty what is right and what is wrong.
• How we should respond to God's standards.
>>INFORM AND DISCUSS
>>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read John 14:6. Explain that, last week, we discovered that God’s Word is the ultimate source of truth. This week, we'll continue our discussion of truth and find out how it relates to the decisions we make every day.
A). THE REASON BEHIND RIGHT:
- Read or have a volunteer read Judges 21:25. Discuss with students some of the problems that would develop if everyone set his or her own roles. [Guide: Explain that what is considered right by one person might be regarded as wrong by another. When it comes to morals, people can't just do their own thing. There must be absolutes. But these absolutes must be grounded in the right source, or they won't stand the test of time].
>>Note:
The Book of Judges recorded one of the most shameful times in Israel's history. The people were worshipping idols, murdering one another and engaging in every kind of lewd and destructive behaviour imaginable. The reason for the nation's depravity was that everyone was doing as he or she pleased.
Where do you think people get their views of morality? Why are certain things right and other things wrong? [Guide: Explain that many people aren't sure how to determine what's right or wrong. The reason particular actions are right is because they reflect the attributes of God. For example: We have a sense of “fair" and “unfair” because our Maker is just. Love is a virtue and hatred is a vice because God is loving. Honesty is considered right and deceit wrong because God is true. Both male and female should be morally okay, promiscuity is immoral because God is pure. Thus, we can identify something is wrong not simply because society or even the Church frowns on it, but because it's contrary to the character of God]
Read or have a volunteer read Psalm 19:7-9. What are the descriptions of God's Law mentioned in this passage? [Guide: List responses on the board. They may include: perfect, trustworthy, radiant, pure, righteous. Note that these are character qualities of God Himself].
Read or have a volunteer read Exo 33:13. Why did Moses want to learn God's Law [Hint: Moses wanted to know God. His Word is intended to lead us into fellowship with Him].
>>Guide:
Explain that God want us not just to follow His rules, but also to understand what He's like by having a relationship with Him. To know the precepts but not the Person is worthless.
B). LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE:
>>Guide:
Explain that even if a person accepts that morality is based on God's Word, he or she may still struggle to accept that standard unless it seems relevant. Teens especially want to know, “Does it work?” Those who are sceptical of the Bible want evidence from practical experience.
How does experience teach us what is right or wrong? [Guide: Encourage students to describe times when they've witnessed or experienced the effects of certain behaviours. Emphasize that all actions have consequences or benefits — both short-term and tong term.]
Read or have volunteers read Deut 10:12-13; Gal 3:24. What do these passages tell us about why God gave us His commands and regulations? [Guide: Explain that many people already view God’s Laws and standards as conflicting and confining. They don't see the freedom and benefits of following God's directions. But God gave His Laws for our good; they protect and provide for us. They also point to our need of God so we can be saved.]
C). LIVE RIGHT IN A WORLD GONE WRONG:
>>Guide:
Explain that from His vantage point, God can see into the moral maze that often confronts and confuses us. He knows things we don't, and He gives the moral guidelines necessary to succeed in living for Him.
Read or have a volunteer read 1 John 5:3. What does it mean that God's Commands are not burdensome? [Hint: It doesn't mean they're always easy to keep. But they are not meaningless formalities. Every law was given to honour God and benefit us].
Does living a moral lifestyle ensure benefits? Does an immoral life always bring consequences? Explain. [Guide: Explain that there are countless examples of tragedy, pain, and regret associated with poor moral choices. Those who live moral lifestyles tend to be more satisfied and fulfilled. However, morality may not always seem rewarded in this life, nor immorality punished. But God’s commands are true regardless of the circumstances of life right now. He will ultimately reward the righteous behaviour of those who follow Him.]
>>Involve Them:
Distribute paper and pens or pencils to students and have them respond whether each of the following situations is right or wrong:
i. Drinking an alcohol an adult has given you.
ii. Getting physical with a boy or girl, but not having sexual intercourse.
iii. Taking someone else’s prescription pills because you don’t feel well.
iv. Getting the answers to homework from a friend because you forgot about the assignment.
>>Guide: Provoke dialogue between students with differing views. Ask them to explain why they answered as they did, using what they know about God’s character in their responses. Note that, in spite of what society might say, we can know right from wrong. When we do right, we’re not just following God’s rules; we’re acknowledging His authority over our lives and demonstrating a desire to be more like Christ.
>>Teacher Hint:
Explain that God’s truth is more than a list of dos and don’ts. It’s ultimately designed to lead us into a relationship with Christ. Offer to pray with students who are ready to accept God’s message and begin a relationship with Jesus today.
>>Inspire Them:
Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pq078). Point out the Big Idea behind the study; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson learned.
>>Ministry Activity:
Read or have a volunteer read 1 Tim 2:3-4. Have students brainstorm ideas for things they could do to spread God’s truth to those who don’t know Him.
>>Teacher Hint:
Ask Yourself...
- Do students understand there are absolute standards of truth?
- Do they understand why they need such standards?
- Do they see how God’s commands relate to His character?
>>DAILY DEW DROPS
MONDAY: The Impact of His Truth - Ephesians 1:13-14
TUESDAY: Go for His Way - Psalms 86:11
WEDNESDAY: Hold On to His Teaching - John 8:31-32
THURSDAY: Refuse to be Taken Captive - Colossians 2:8
FRIDAY: Speak the Truth - Jeremiah 23:28
SATURDAY: Secret to Stability - Psalms 119:165
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