Christian Education
(v. 7.) Note that no believer is gifted merely for his own enjoyment, but for useful service. 6. List the gifts mentioned in w . 8-10. Note that some of these are temporary gifts (cp. 1 Cor. 13:8-11). Healing and miracles and tongues were “ sign gifts” directed to unbelieving Jews (1 Cor. 14:22). W hen it became apparent that the Jewish nation was not going to re ceive Christ these signs were withdrawn. The Christian walks by faith not by sight. This does not mean, of course, that God does not heal today, nor per form miracles, but He does not work in the same way, nor for the same purpose, as He did in Paul’s day. 7. W e have been thinking primarily of spiritual gifts. These are for minister ing to the church. But God also gives other gifts. See Exodus 31:1-6; 36:1-4. Every professional ability is a gift of God. 8. H ow is the Christian to use whatever gift God has given him? (1 Cor. 10:31; Eccl. 9:10.) 9. W h y should the Christian make sure that he does the w ill of God and uses his gift to God’s glory? (2 Cor. 5:10.) May 8, 1955 Parents can be Our Friends Eph. 6:1-4; Prov. 4:1-13; 23:22-26 DAILY READINGS May 2 — The Mother of Moses Ex. 2:1-10 May 3 — The Mother of Samuel 1 Sam. 1:11, 26-28 May 4 — The Father of Jonathan 1 Sam. 20:30-34 May 5 — A Certain Nobleman Matt. 2:13-15, 19-23 May 6 — The Foster Father of Jesus John 4:46-53 May 7 — Jesus and the Father John 5:17-31 HEART OF THE LESSON W e live in a lawless world filled with rebellion against authority and devoid of discipline. The W ord of God tells us that in these last days one of the signs is “ disobedience to parents” (2 Tim . 3:2.) Here is the spirit of the age capturing the home. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. What is the command given in Eph. 6:1? 2. W h y should the child obey his par ents? (v. 1.) 3. What is meant by “ honour thy father and mother” ? (v. 2.) 4. What promise is attached to this commandment? (Ex. 20:12.) W h y do you think there is a longer life span and greater blessing for those who learn to obey authority in their youth? Think of the troubles people get into because they rebel against law.
5. How can a father be unwise in his discipline? (v. 4.) 6. What does Paul mean b y “ the nur ture and admonition of the Lord” ? (v. 4.) 7. Good parents are concerned for the best interests of their children. For this reason they impart their wisdom to them. What should the young person’s attitude be toward parental advice? (Prov. 4:5.) 8. What w ill wisdom (wise instruction) do for a young person if he follows it? (w . 8-13.) List these benefits and dis cuss them in your group. 9. Of what benefit is an obedient child to his parents? (Prov. 23:24,25.) May 15, 1955 Take a Look at the City Mart. 9:36-38; Lk. 19:41-44 DAILY READINGS May 9 — A Pool in the City John 5:2-5 May 10 — Prayer In the City Jail Acts 1 6 :1 2 ,2 3 ,2 5 -2 8 May 11 — Events in Damascus Acts 9:6-22 May 12 — The Importance of Bethany John 11; 12:1-9 May 13 — A Citizen Named Cornelius Acts 10:1-48 May 14 — The New Jerusalem Rev. 2 2 :1 ,2 HEART OF THE LESSON A n y study of cities ought to make the country-dweller thank God he lives where he does. There is no life like rural life. Young people who are brought up in the country or in small rural villages have many advantages over young people who live in a city. But the city does present a challenge to the Church, and a tre mendous opportunity to take Christ to the multitudes. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. What three things did our Lord do in the cities of Palestine? (Matt. 9:35.) 2. From your knowledge of the Gos pels list some of the main truths taught by our Lord Jesus and preached b y Him during His earthly ministry. Note that the responsibility of the Church today is to preach and teach these same truths. 3. H ow did a sight of the multitude affect the Lord Jesus? (Matt. 9:36; Lk. 19:41.) Is this not one of the most im portant qualifications for a missionary or minister of the gospel? (See Isa. 58:10-12.) 4. What was the spiritual condition of the multitudes as seen b y our Saviour? (Matt. 9:36.) Discuss these things in terms of the need today. 5. What does Jesus mean by His state ment in Matt. 9:37? What is the “ har vest” ? 6. What does our Lord mean by the term laborers? Discuss spiritual sluggish ness and laziness. H ow may this be over come? (See Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9, 10, etc.) CONTINUED ►
Helps for Christian Endeavor and Other Young People's Groups By Chester J. Padgett, D.D. Associate Professor of English Bible Talbot Theological Seminary May 1, 1955 One Vocation out of 20,000 Choices 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:1-11 DAILY READINGS Apr. 25 — Talents Belong to God 1 Pet. 4 :1 0 , 11 Apr. 26 — A Christian Business Man Philemon 1:6 Apr. 27 — A Woman in Business Acts 16:14, 15 Apr. 28 — A ll to the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10:31 Apr. 29 — Called to Service Matt. 19:16-22 Apr. 30 — A Price to be Paid Luke 14:25-33 HEART OF THE LESSON One of the most thrilling and com fort ing truths is this— that God has a plan for your life. He has fitted you for the exact contribution you should make to His pro gram in the world. Your most important project, then, is to discover His w ill and then to devote your entire being to the fulfilling of His purpose for you. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Notice that God does not want His child to be ignorant of His gifts. (1 Cor. 12:1.) W h y not? Discuss the importance of being aware of His gift to you. 2. The greatest gift is that of faith, so that w e can believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the basis of the proper use of all God’s gifts (v. 3.). 3. W h o is the One who bestows God’s gifts upon the believer? (v. 4.) 4. What is meant by the phrase “ di versities of administrations?” ( w . 5 ,6 .) What are the various offices open to be lievers in the Church? List these and jot down several qualifications. Study Eph. 4:1-16 and 1 Tim . 1, for your an swers. 5. What is the reason for which the H oly Spiiit bestows gifts upon believers?
APRIL, 1955
35
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker