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 It seems it was just the other day I was 16, getting a car; then 22, getting married. At 26, I had my first child. I turned 30 and thought I was ancient. Then 40, and now—in the blink of an eye, and after my parents have passed—I am the old one at 68. My greatest desire is to pass on a love for Jesus to our family. Both our kids are Christ-followers. My prayer now is for our three grandchildren, for each to trust Jesus, love Him, and seek His will for their lives. I want to pass my hope in Jesus on to others too. I wrote a memoir about raising our adopted, disabled daughter. It makes me so happy that those words will be here long after I’m gone. I see it as part of my legacy—to share my story of experiencing the goodness of God amid suffering and pain. From childhood through old age, God has been an anchor for my life. It’s my prayer that those following me will say the same. Psalm 71:17-18 from today’s Scripture passage says, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Indeed, we find our hope only in Him. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
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 Remember that this world will pass away but God's kingdom is forever.
1 Start the Conversation Discuss how all generations need to hear the gospel.
REALLIFEDOWNLOADED.COM
Check out “The Blessing” on this quarter’s Contemporary Worship Weekly playlist. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes put the words of Numbers 6:24–26 to song—an encouragement to all generations of God’s followers. 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 They come from different backgrounds, but they ended up in the same church. Their ages are across the spectrum, but they meet in the same Bible study group every month. Their mission is the same: To pass the Gospel on not only to their own generation but to subsequent generations as well. The pastor’s wife, who leads the church’s small group ministry, noticed their interest in ministry from conversations with them. She and her husband overlooked the differences among them and pulled them together as a group called “AIM,” an acronym for “Advancing in Ministry.” Josh showed up at church on his own one Sunday and has been active ever since. Single and a recent graduate with a computer science degree, he works with the church’s web stream and other online ministries. Jacob, a biologist, and Sarah, a nurse, are a married couple with a little girl who still find time to host and lead small groups for young families. Mario, a military leadership trainer, and Laura, a teacher, are another married couple who teach a youth Sunday school class as well as participate in other outreach ministries of the church. Pam is a retired chaplain who counsels people of all ages and helps plug new members into ministries according to their spiritual gifts. Six others with the same goals are involved in ministry and the group. They not only want to minister to others, but also to train others who will in turn minister to others as well.
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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