The Box includes a Quick Start Guide that explains how all the items work together: - 10 Personal Study Guides (CSB)-1 Leader Guide (CSB) - 1 Leader Pack ... Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide Volume 9, Number 1 Fall 2021 Lynn H. Pryor Team Leader Ken Braddy Director of Sunday School Brandon Hiltibidal Director of Adult Ministry
The Box includes a Quick Start Guide that explains how all the items work ... Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide Volume 9, Number 1 Fall 2021 Lynn H. Pryor Team Leader
2021-06-11 — One of the great joys of leading a group in Bible study is seeing group members deepen their walk with Christ. Everyone's walk with Christ begins with an ...
Advanced Bible Study TEACHER GUIDE | FALL 2021 | CSB Study 1: No Doubt: Six Things We Can Know for Sure Study 2: Walking in Confidence © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources LEADING SOMEONE TO THE GREATEST DECISION OF ALL One of the great joys of leading a group in Bible study is seeing group members deepen their walk with Christ. Everyone's walk with Christ begins with an initial decision to follow Him in repentance and faith. There may be people in your group who have not made that decision yet. Take advantage of your time with them to talk about becoming a Christian. As you tell your own story about coming to Christ, share these key truths: 1. We are all sinners, and each of us needs to acknowledge before God that we are sinners. That acknowledgement involves repentance, which is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Refer to Romans 3:23; 6:23; and Acts 3:19. 2. The only way a person can receive the gift of forgiveness is by faith in Jesus as God's Son. Use verses like Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; and John 14:6 when talking about faith in Christ. 3. Confessing your faith in Jesus Christ means confessing Him as Savior and Lord. Share Romans 10:9-10,13. Invite the person to pray a prayer similar to this: "Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins. I'm sorry for all the wrong I've done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen." © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources TABLE OF CONTENTS How to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 No Doubt: Six Things We Can Know for Sure Suggested for the week of Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 September 5 Session 1 Sure of Forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 September 12 Session 2 Sure of a Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 September 19 Session 3 Sure of the Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 September 26 Session 4 Sure of Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 October 3 Session 5 Sure of God's Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 October 10 Session 6 Sure of Salvation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Article Introducing 1 John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Walking in Confidence October 17 October 24 October 31 November 7 November 14 Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Basis for Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Confidence in the Face of Fear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Confidence in the Midst of Conflict . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Confidence in Seasons of Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Confidence After We Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 November 21 Special Focus Give Thanks to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 November 28 Session 6 Article Confidence in Times of Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 God's Covenant with Abraham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Coming Next Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 SPECIA L FOCUS © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources DON'T MISS THIS! Social Media Connect with a community of Bible Studies for Life users. Post responses to questions, share teaching ideas, and link to great blog content. Facebook.com/BibleStudiesforLife Get instant updates about new articles, giveaways, and more. @BibleMeetsLife EXTRA! Every week, you'll find additional discussion questions and creative teaching ideas to help you tailor each session to the needs of your group. You'll also find links to magazine articles and the Family Connection page for parents. www.BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra Family Connection Family Connection helps parents connect with their students and kids by talking about what they're learning in their different Bible study groups. Family Connection makes it easy for parents to engage their children in spiritual conversation. Family Connection is available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/FamilyConnection. Digital Download Both Advanced Bible Study and Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide are available as PDFs in a digital download. Go to www.BibleStudiesforLife.com. Bible Studies for Life: Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide Volume 9, Number 1 Fall 2021 Lynn H. Pryor Team Leader Ken Braddy Director of Sunday School Brandon Hiltibidal Director of Adult Ministry Send questions/comments to: Content Editor by email to lynn.pryor@lifeway.com or mail to: Bible Studies for Life: Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide One Lifeway Plaza Nashville, TN 37234 Or make comments on the web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America. Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide (ISSN: 2379-2779; Item 005768061) is published quarterly by Lifeway, One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Ben Mandrell, President. © 2021 Lifeway. For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write Lifeway Customer Service, One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 2515933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review Lifeway's doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. CSB--All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide sometimes lists websites that may be helpful to our readers. Our staff verifies each site's usefulness and appropriateness prior to publication. However, website content changes quickly, so we encourage you to approach all websites with caution. Make sure sites are still appropriate before sharing them with participants, friends, and family. 4 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources HOW TO USE What's Inside Teaching Plan--Each session has a two-page teaching plan. Use it in accordance with Advanced Bible Study, utilizing the teaching outline to guide your class through the passage and its key emphases as detailed in the Advanced Bible Study commentary. Engage class members by leading a discussion of key points, asking questions, and inviting their insights. Optional Idea--We learn in a variety of ways. This additional teaching idea will encourage your class members to use different senses, enhancing their learning and deepening their understanding. Dig Deeper--This is an illustration or fact not readily drawn from the passage that can add depth and meaning as you teach. Pray Because the Holy Spirit is the guide for your study, invite Him to show you how to "rightly divide the word of truth" as you teach your class. Read the Bible passage several times, asking the Holy Spirit to show you its meaning and application. Prepare Your Class Members Encourage your class members to read Advanced Bible Study prior to class time. In addition, you may consult one of the following Personal Study Guides or commentaries: > Herschel Hobbs Commentary > Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult > Bible Studies for Life: Adult > Bible Studies for Life: Senior Adult > Bible Studies for Life: KJV Adult > Bible Studies for Life: Daily Discipleship Guide Some class members may prefer to read their book after class as a way to follow up and reflect on what they have learned and discussed. © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 5 Introduction No Doubt: Six Things We Can Know for Sure Philosophers might raise the idea that we can't be sure of anything. Science tells us we can be sure of what we see and observe, but what about those things we physically can't see? Some people think that matters of faith are just things we hope are true or that we want to believe are true. The Book of 1 John tells a different story. "Intangible" things like love, forgiveness, and salvation can be seen in how they impact and transform our lives. We can be absolutely sure of the things of God and the way He seeks to work in our lives. How This Study Supports the Discipleship Plan: Live Unashamed. The Book of 1 John gives us multiple assurances related to our walk with Christ. With such assurances, doubts fade, and we can live our lives undaunted and unashamed. 6 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE Writers: Sam O'Neal wrote the Teaching Plans and Options for the No Doubt study. Sam is the founder of WriteGreatStories.com, and he enjoys helping people engage and discuss God's Word. He and his family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jim Gantenbein wrote the Dig Deeper features for No Doubt. Jim and his wife, Cathy, have been at Kitsap Lake Baptist Church in Bremerton WA since March of 2006 where he serves as pastor. The son of a pastor, Jim's previous experience includes over thirty-one years in youth and music ministry. © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources Bible Studies for Life SESSION 1 Sure of Forgiveness The Point We are forgiven when we confess our sin and walk with Christ. The Bible Meets Life We are sinful, rebellious human beings, and we feel the result: guilt. Despite our best efforts, we can't break free of our sin, and guilt can hound us relentlessly. Too many people are driven into despair and hopelessness because of the shame and guilt they feel over sin. Freedom from guilt is possible, but it is possible only through Christ. We can be sure that we are forgiven when we turn to Him. 1 John 1:52:2 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. 6 If we say, "We have fellowship with him," and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-- Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. 7 © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources S ess i o n 1 Teaching Plan GET INTO THE STUDY Opening Question: Where do you turn when you need to find the absolute truth? > In an era when clicks are more valuable than accuracy, truth has become a tough to find. > Doubt is a harmful ingredient in the life of a Christian. It erodes our ability to believe. > The Bible is the ultimate source for truth on the most important subjects, including the critical role forgiveness plays in our lives. Refer to Pack Item 1: No Doubt to review the theme of the unit and the titles of the six lessons. STUDY THE BIBLE 1 John 1:5-7 We are forgiven because Jesus paid the price for us. John began his teaching by focusing on God's character. > In advance, make copies of Pack Item 2: Book of 1 John, and distribute to learners. Use information from "The Setting" (pp. 8-9 in Advanced Bible Study) and the Pack Item to provide context for this lesson. > Explore the phrase in verse 5 that God is light and "there is absolutely no darkness in him." Refer to the paragraphs beginning with "For example ..." and "For this reason ..." on page 10 in Advanced Bible Study for help. > Why is it critical for us to begin with God's character if we want to understand the role of forgiveness in our lives? Discuss. We need forgiveness because of the reality of sin. > The fact that we "walk in darkness" (v. 6) is foundational to our character. > Explain the power of Jesus' blood by reading the paragraph that begins "However, when we do ..." (p. 12 in Advanced Bible Study). > The Bible makes it clear that we have no capacity for resolving the reality of our sin (Col. 1:19-22). > Given these truths, explain the decision all people must make: deny our sin or confess our sin and accept Christ's forgiveness. 1 John 1:8-10 We are forgiven because Jesus is faithful and righteous. There's no use in denying our sinfulness. > Note John's emphasis on those who deny their sinfulness or claim to have "no sin" (v. 8). > Why we are tempted to reject the reality of our sin? What are some possible reasons for this behavior? Review the paragraph that begins "That's why John ..." (p. 14 in Advanced Bible Study) to explain that all people sin. > Such claims are refuted by Scripture. Such claims are refuted by our own experience. See OPTIONAL IDEA on page 10 for a creative way to discuss sin within humanity. Jesus' righteousness is greater than our sinfulness. > John focuses on God's character as the solution to our problem: Jesus is "faithful" and "righteous." > Emphasize that Christ's blood brings forgiveness from "all unrighteousness" (v. 9). Our confession is key. > Direct a volunteer to read aloud 1 John 1:9. > What does it mean to "confess" our sin? Point to the paragraph that begins "When we confess ..." (p. 15 in Advanced Bible Study) to explain what we're doing when we confess. 8 S e ss ion 1 © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources THE POINT We are forgiven when we confess our sin and walk with Christ. > We sin because we reject the reality of God's light and goodness. Confession helps us return to reality not only of God's character, but our own. 1 John 2:1-2 We are forgiven because Jesus stands as our advocate. The goal of the Christian life is to reject sin. > Can Christians reject sin? Discuss. Review the paragraph that begins "The apostle John ..." (p. 16 in Advanced Bible Study) for discussion. > Christ lived a perfect life free from sin. His disciples are called to live as He did (1 John 2:6). > Our standard or goal for life should be the complete rejection of sin. Jesus is our advocate when we fail to reach that goal. > Refer to the paragraphs that begin "For instance ..." (p. 16 in Advanced Bible Study) to explain Jesus' role as our "advocate" (v. 2). > Broaden that explanation by reading and discussing Hebrews 4:15-16. > Emphasize "The Point": We are forgiven when we confess our sin and walk with Christ. LIVE IT OUT How will the certainty of forgiveness impact your actions and attitudes this week? > Take time daily to review your life--where have you fallen short of Christ's standard? > Make confession a regular part of your life. > Confess sins to God, then move forward in the certainty that your forgiveness is guaranteed through Christ's sacrifice. Share the story from DIG DEEPER on the next page. © 2021 Lifeway Christian Resources My Teaching Notes Pack Item 1 Pack Item 2 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 9 THE POINT We are forgiven when we confess our sin and walk with Christ. Optional Idea Encourage students to access their phones and look up the news headlines of the day, either through news applications or the websites of prominent news sources. (Also consider asking volunteers to check the websites for your local newspapers.) The goal for students is to identify headlines that reveal the presence of darkness or sin within humanity. After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to read one or two of the headlines they found. Go around the class and allow anyone who wishes to share to do so. (Note: If necessary, ask students to avoid reading headlines that seem overly graphic or inappropriate. Use your judgment based on the maturity of your students and their overall needs.) Conclude by once again pointing out how obvious our sinfulness is just based on our own experiences. We know from our own lives that darkness lives within us, even as we try to hide that darkness from others. Even so, the reality of sin is evident for anyone who simply checks the news or reviews their own actions and attitudes. Dig Deeper Isaiah 59:2 tells us that sin separates us from God. Forgiveness permanently removes that barrier and unites us with our Creator. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!" A testimony relates the story of being reconciled to God. A common formula for giving a testimony is: 1. Describe your life before Christ; 2.How you came to Christ; 3.The difference Christ has made in your life; and 4.Give praise to God. When Dr. R. A. Torrey was president of Moody Bible Institute, he received a letter from a pastor who was very concerned about his son and wanted Dr. Torrey to allow his troubled son to attend Moody in the hope that it would change his son's life. Initially, Torrey resisted but finally relented with a few stipulations including that the son must meet with Dr. Moody each day. The young man attended and followed all the requirements, eventually surrendering his life to God. Thirty years later, now as a teacher at Moody, William R. Newell wrote out his testimony in the form of a poem with a repeating refrain. Newell asked Dr. D. B. Towner, head of the music department, to set it to music and it is known to us today as the great hymn titled "At Calvary." As you read or sing through the four stanzas, you will notice how it follows that common testimony format. 1. Wilbur Konkel, More Living Hymn Stories (Zarephath, NJ: Pillar of Fire Missions, 1981) 2. Lindsay Terry, "Story behind the Song: `At Calvary,'" The St. Augustine Record, March 27, 2015, https://www.staugustine.com/article/20150327/LIFESTYLE/303279982 1 0 S e ss ion 1 © 2021 Lifeway Christian ResourcesAdobe InDesign 16.0 (Windows) Adobe PDF Library 15.0