Wednesday September 30, 2009

Staci is speaking this wednesday and here's her message summary and conversation questions.
Knowing scripture and knowing ABOUT God is different than knowing God. Take celebrities for example...we know all about them from tv and magazines, but we don't really know them. Isaiah 43:10 says that God wants us to KNOW Him. In order to do that, we need to do much more than simply read the Bible and coast through the church service. We can read all day and learn ABOUT God but how can we make more out of reading the Bible? (In small groups they will learn the S.O.A.P. method of studying the Bible; Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer)
We are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, which is a package deal, yes...INCLUDING knowledge of the word! I plan to challenge the students to think of what their armor currently looks like. This is where we will reflect on Jesus' use of scripture to combat Satan in the desert. Jesus felt the need to pray, worship, live by example AND know scripture! Younger generations (including my own) tend to forget that piece of armor...
Finally, taking a look at James 1:22-25 where we put it all together! James says it's important not to simply LISTEN to the word, but to DO what it says! He challenges us to look intently into the law and then to follow through by DOING what it says :)

Bible: To Know
Small Group Conversation * September 30, 2009

To Recap:
1. We are given the Bible for NUMEROUS reasons; becoming knowledgeable about Jesus and what He stands for, teaching, worshiping, and fighting temptation, just to name a few.
2. We are given Scripture to help establish our beliefs AND to guide our ACTIONS, not simply to read!
Digging In:
Look up Isaiah 43:10…

1. How do you think KNOWING God is different that knowing ABOUT
God? Brainstorm what you think God meant when He said,
“Understand that I am He”?

Look up James 1:22-25…

2. What are some things you think God tells you through scripture
that you simply read but might not follow through with? (For
example, gossiping, not honoring your parents, etc.)

Look up Ephesians 6: 13-17…

3. When we are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, what are
some of the “pieces” of armor? (faith, righteousness, word of God,
etc.) Which of these pieces of armor do you think are strongest for
you, and which ones do you feel need strengthening?

In Closing:
Tonight in closing, your leader is going to lead you through a popular method of studying the Bible. This method is called the S.O.A.P. method and stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer. This exercise is a great way to move beyond simply reading scripture, but understanding it and figuring out how we can relate to it as middle schoolers! (See attached sheet and hand out blank paper and pens to each student).
Close in prayer after exercise.
S.O.A.P. Exercise

Open your Bibles to Matthew 4: 1-11 and read the passage aloud to the students as they close their eyes…Then follow the study below.

Step 1
Complete the “S” by listening to the scripture read. Don’t just zone out, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you.
Step 2
Complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of His word. This can be an in depth or a very simple observation.
Step 3
Complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. For example, do you have a similar situation in your life right now where you are being tempted? How are you resisting it? How might scripture help you resist it?
Step 4
Complete the “P” by writing down a prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.