Sunday School Lesson for August 11

This week’s passages are from Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40.

Psalm 50:1-8

Psalm 50 is about the almightiness of God and contains some very harsh words of condemnation upon religious people who choose to ignore God’s commands. In effect, what is expressed is God’s anger against those who would seek perfection in making sanctimonious sacrifices and the keeping of religious rites rather than actually living by God’s Word.

In our present pluralistic culture, Psalm 50 is highly relevant. It should make us all ponder over how we practice our faith. Do we express it in terms of religious obligations, or do we convey it in merciful deeds?

Questions for study and reflection

The first couple of verses present an image of God authoritatively summoning the Earth into His presence each morning. How do we initially approach God on a daily basis?

The psalmist writes about God being Judge of all the Earth. How does this type of imagery relate to our own beliefs?

God is portrayed as being angry because of the religious hypocrisy of His people. Are we prone to the same sin? Give examples.

In the second half of the psalm, God declares the wicked to be those who hate God’s commands and set aside His words. Is this still happening in the Church today? Why/why not?

Psalm 50 is not a comfortable psalm to read. How does it still challenge us today?

Luke 12:32-40

Today’s verses cover two important areas in the life of any Christian. Firstly, we are meant to be generous with our belongings and share them with the poor. We are not to spend our lives increasing our possessions, because they will eventually possess us and we may lose God.

Secondly, we are to live our lives expecting the Lord at any time. Christians are meant to believe that Jesus will return to Earth one day. As each day passes, we get one day nearer to that amazing event, so we are urged to be ready for Christ every day.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did Jesus emphasize our need to let go of our possessions and to build up our treasure in heaven? How do our hearts reveal what we treasure most?

Jesus calls us to be like servants awaiting the return of their master. Do we understand what this image means for us today? Are we willing to actually be servants?

What does Jesus expect of us while we await His return? Are we ready for Him or do we just take each day for granted?

What do you personally think will happen to you when Christ does return? Why do you think that?

The mission of the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is to prepare the world for His Return. In reality, are we doing this effectively and faithfully? Why/why not?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday August 04

This week’s passages are from Psalm 107:1-9 & Luke 12:13-21.

Psalm 107:1-9

Psalm 107 is a song about the mighty works of God and how thankful His people should be for delivering them, time and time again. The events described in the psalm could relate to the time of the Patriarchs, the Wilderness wanderings, the time of Kings, and even to the years after the Babylonian exile. In fact, the references could also be taken as prophecies about events that occurred during Christ’s lifetime.

The main point of the psalm is that God’s people frequently get themselves into trouble and end up needing God’s help to rescue and deliver them. Sound familiar, folks?

Questions for study and reflection

What makes us most thankful towards God? How do we experience His enduring love in our lives?

Why do you think the psalmist refers to God’s people as ‘the redeemed of the LORD?’ Redeemed from what?

What do the people do when they find themselves in dire situations beyond their control? What are they hoping will happen?

Where do we see God’s unfailing love in the world today? How can our churches become the channels of that love in our communities?

Share or think about a situation when you cried to the Lord for help. What happened? Did you thank Him for the outcome?

Luke 12:13-21

           

Christ tells the parable of the rich fool in response to a demand that someone makes about a family inheritance dispute. Jesus uses the issue to tell His people that life is not about how much we possess or accumulate, but about maintaining a healthy relationship with God.

Jesus wanted His disciples to learn this important lesson in order to prepare them for the years of hardship that lay ahead of them. If they became too attached to their home comforts and possessions, they would eventually lose their connection to God. The whole parable, then, is a cautionary tale about ambition and greed, power and possessions.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think someone approached Jesus to settle the financial dispute with his family? How did Jesus initially respond?

Why does Jesus tell people to be on their guard against greed? How could an abundance of possessions affect someone’s faith in God?

How successful was the rich man in the story? What did he want to do with that success?

How close does verse 19 relate to our own circumstances? Isn't this what our society defines as success?

What does this parable teach us about life? Why should we be bothered to think seriously about our own mortality?

Have we fallen into the folly of storing up possessions for ourselves instead of building up the riches of God within us? What should we do to make God more of our focus in life?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40