LESSON 07
July 14
CONTINUAL PROCLAMATION INVITATION
A Look Ahead
This quarter we began by looking at expressions of hope from New Testaments texts. But last week, we started to look at the theme of hope in the Old Testament, and we read about the prophet Jeremiah, who clung to hope in the Lord while adversity was all around him. Today we talking about expressing hope and communicating it to the people around us, especially our families.
LESSON FOCUS: Proclaim God’s love and hope to the next generations. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Psalm 71:12–21
Prepare your heart and pause before you teach this lesson Even into his later years, David found himself in the thick of various battles—personal, family, and political. He learned at an early age how to call on God for help. In Psalm 71, David paints a picture of the Father filled with affection and hope for upcoming generations. David realized old age does not make troubles and problems get smaller. Instead, fresh concerns and challenges are presented as one goes along. Therefore, David wrote a kind of a prayer he wanted to leave on the lips of the upcoming generation. The Psalm says to take some time to sing about the hope and love of God. We should create a hopeful song for the next generation to sing, instead of complaining about old-age aches and pains. We want our grandchildren and their children to know how to be right with God. David pointed to God as his teacher throughout his days, and he never stopped sitting at the desk, learning significant lessons from the divine schoolmaster. As another psalmist writes, “Who is like the Lord?” (89:6). No man can stand toe to toe with Him and say, “I’m perfect; I’m powerful, and I know just as much as the Lord.” David declares that the Lord pours His strength over him. Seeing adults in their later years teaching, modeling, and concerned about young people coming to know Christ is a precious sight. The wisdom of a long walk with the Lord is a much-needed gift to pass on to those who come after us.
2 Study Today’s Scripture Study the hopeful message in Psalm 71. 3 Apply the Message Explore how to share Jesus with other generations. Suggested Materials: Ɏ Adult Resources: Reproducible Handout—“My Psalm”
4 Live It Out Tell other generations about Christ.
Find alternative lesson introduction, Spotify playlists, and links to more teaching resources
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LESSON 07
1 Start the Conversation Discuss how all generations need to hear the gospel.
1 Start the Conversation Discuss how all generations need to hear the gospel.
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Check out “You Won’t Ever Let Me Down” on this quarter’s Echoes Worship Weekly playlist. Phil Thompson sings about the confidence we have with God as our refuge and help. On Traditional Worship Weekly, listen to “God of Generations” from Jonathan and Emily Martin.
Adult Resources Posters
A Look Back
For more commentary,
see p. 951 in Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament.
student book LESSON 07
page 47
CONTINUAL PROCLAMATION Listen to me, talking your head off,” said Angelique, pushing her dessert plate aside. The 53-year-old had come to see her former coworker, Mrs. Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell had lost her husband about two years ago. She had recently been released from the hospital following a fall. She had early signs of Parkinson’s. Her two sons lived out of town, but she had one granddaughter who lived in a neighboring state and regularly checked on her. Still, when Angelique heard about Mrs. Mitchell being hospitalized, she decided it was time for another visit. Mrs. Mitchell had given Angelique wise counsel many times when they worked together. Among other things, the older woman helped Angelique navigate the politics of their school system. Angelique wanted to be of help to her friend now, and here she was going on and on about the trials and tribulations of her adult children. “How are you doing, really?” asked Angelique. “My God continues to bless me and keep me,” said the 81-yearold. “He woke me up this morning, in my right mind. I can’t thank Him enough.” Angelique smiled. Mrs. Mitchell was still loving God. She thought her love may have waned and said so. “Oh goodness no, child!” declared Mrs. Mitchell. “I know him as a Savior and a keeper. He is the only one you can put your hope in.”
Discussion Questions and Answers Why does God want us to teach other generations about the good news that is in Christ Jesus?
Knowledge of our blessings makes us want to teach children about Jesus. It is a ministry to which God has called us, and telling young people about the Lord strengthens our own faith.
In what ways does your church fulfill this calling from God?
A church might hire leaders to guide a vibrant youth group, recruit faithful Sunday school teachers, and offer opportunities to participate in short-term ministries (repairing homes during the summer, forming a youth choir to visit nursing homes or prisons).
Where could you participate in teaching or outreach ministries?
It could be as simple as raising our own children in the ways of God. Or we might serve as a teacher of youth in a vital operation of the church. God always provides opportunities to be a faithful disciple. LESSON 07
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