1. Date
  1. Step 2 Explore Scripture
  2. 1. Call attention to the first discussion question, “Can you think of people you may have hurt or offended?” (p. 38)
  3. (1) Call on a volunteer to read Matthew 5:23-24.
  4. (2) Have the first case study read. Then call for responses from members.
  5. Ask: Suppose when Lorine apologized, her friend refused to accept her apology or offer forgiveness? What then? (She might try again later, or write a note. If the friend still refuses to forgive, Lorine is no longer responsible; she has done her part.)
  6. (3) Explain that the primary teaching in Matthew 5:23 is that we should not approach God until we have tried to make things right with one we have offended.
  7. 2. Read aloud the second discussion question, “Are you bitter or holding grudges against someone who has offended you?” (p.37)
  8.        
      1. TWO BASIC RELATIONSHIPS
  9. Step 2 Explore Bible Truth


GENERAL SUGGESTIONS for teaching RETURNING TO HOLINESS

 

 

     
1. Keep in mind that teaching plans are only suggestions and teachers should use them, change them, or not use them, as he/she sees fit. Some activities suggested may be used in different ways.
2. The author suggests that members be encouraged to keep a daily journal, notebook, or folder as they work through this study. You may want to give every person a manila folder in which to keep handouts and notes from the study.
3. Be sure to look at the Preparation for This Lesson section of each lesson well in advance so that you can make suggested assignments ahead. You might also like to prepare handouts and posters in advance.
4. Make clear to your class that this book should be prayerfully studied at home on a daily basis. Encourage them to meditate carefully on “Questions for Reflection” in each chapter and then pray that God will help them make any changes needed in their lives. Books should be given out the week before the first lesson (Mar. 4).
5. Some of the poster samples provided may be enlarged on your church copier and used for display. For some posters you may prefer colorful, handmade posters on poster board with larger print.

If you plan for your class to memorize Scripture during the quarter, you may want to look over the Hope for Today Scripture portions (a copy is provided). It contains favorite Scriptures that should be easy to memorize. They can be ordered from the American Bible Society.


RETURNING TO HOLINESS

 

Week 1

 

TEACHING PLANS

 

 

Preparation for this lesson

 

1. Provide copies of the following to give to all class participants:
(1) Outline of weekly sessions (first 8 weeks)
(2) Worksheet for March 3 (to use in the class session)
 
2. Make a large banner with the book title, Returning to Holiness, to display throughout the study
3. Write the following Scripture references on pieces of paper to distribute to members to be read when called for: Psalm 66:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 38:18; Jeremiah 15:19a.
4. Make a large poster showing STEPS TO SPIRITUAL RENEWAL. (See sample attached.)

 

Teaching the Lesson

 

Step 1 To Begin the Session

 
1. Distribute the two handouts mentioned above: Outline of weekly sessions and Worksheet for March 3. Give out the Scripture references listed in #3 above.
2. Introduce the topic Returning to Holiness with comments similar to these:

Our world today is in dire need to a return to holiness and God’s presence and power. As we look around at the nations we see greed, materialism, manmade philosophies and religions, war, and yes, terrorism, on every hand – even in America. Every kind of sin imaginable corrupts our society.

Every spiritual Great Awakening in the past was preceded by a group of believers united in persistent, urgent prayer, humble repentance, and personal spiritual cleansing. The result was spiritual renewal that released the power and presence of God in mighty outpourings of the Holy Spirit that spread throughout large parts of the world.

 

3. Tell the class that we need to define three words as we begin our study. Have members look at # 1 on their worksheet. Call on members to define or explain each of the words. The teacher may bring out the following ideas as needed:
 
· holiness – means set apart for God, purity (Christlike)
· .revival – Christians getting right with God (people being saved is a by-product of revival)
· .repentance – confess and turn from sin and agree to follow God’s way

Step 2 Examine the Scripture

1. Ask a volunteer to read aloud Guy Greenfield’s statement on holiness from the #2 item on the worksheet.

Say: Scripture tells us that lack of holiness is the main reason God withholds his presence and power. (Call for Psalms 66:18 to be read.)

 
Say: The key element of revival and spiritual awakening is given in 2 Chronicles 7:14. (Call for that Scripture reference.) Ask: According to this passage, what is the key to revival and spiritual awakening? (true repentance, fervent prayer, and turning from sin – spiritual cleansing.)
  
2. Display the poster, Steps to Spiritual Renewal. Read the title. Beginning with the bottom step, “Ignore Sin,” comment on each step, using the following ideas as needed.
 
First step – Ignore sin – This is where most of us are. We seldom consider specific sin as something we need to deal with.
Second step – An awareness that sin is against God – God’s Word reveals the dreadful nature of sin.
Third step – Confess sin – Admit to God we were wrong. (Call for Psalm 38:18)
Fourth step – Repent of sin – Ask God’s forgiveness, turn from the sin and renew your commitment to follow God. (Have Jeremiah 15:19a read.)
Fifth step – Spiritual cleansing – God forgives; barriers between us and God are removed.
Sixth step – Spiritual Renewal – The Holy Spirit can work in one’s life with great power
3. Lecture briefly as follows:
 
A key requirement for experiencing God’s power in your life is given in Isaiah 59:2. (Call for that Scripture reference). Because of unconfessed sin, many prayers may go unanswered, and believers live in despair and pain while wondering where God is.
The marvelous truth is that God forgives us when we ask Him to. (Call for the reading of 1John 1:9.)
How, then, can we receive spiritual cleansing? The author of our book gave this answer: “Only the Word of God can bring the intense conviction and repentance that releases the cleansing flood of the Holy Spirit.” [Gregory Frizzell, p. xiii, Returning to Holiness]
Step 3 Prepare for in-depth study of units 2 and 3
  
1. Ask members to turn to the introduction of their book to page xii to Exciting Goals for Each Reader. Have them read the goals silently and choose two priority goals that they would like to reach; then they should write them on their worksheet in the space provided under #3. Allow about 3 minutes for this activity.
2. Lecture briefly on the topic, Christ in You – The Foundation of victory. (pp.5,6) You may wonder, How can I ever be truly victorious over sin?” We know we will never be perfect, but because Christ lives in us, we can become more and more like Him if we face up to our sins and ask God’s forgiveness. Listen to what Paul said. (Read Romans 6:6 and Galatians 2:20) Then Paul nailed it down in Colossians 2:6: “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” I hope our study of this book will help us do that.
3. Tell the class there are seven key points to remember if we are to meet God through this book. Have members’ turn to page 6 in the book. You may have volunteers read aloud each of the key statements as you come to them. Following the reading of each statement you may want to make a brief comment (see examples below).
 
Key point 1. This relationship journey with God requires prayer, Scripture reading, questions for self-examination, and confession and repentance of sin revealed or change needed in your life.
Key point 2. Make a note of personal sins in your life that God has revealed to you, and list possible ways to overcome sinful patterns. Select Scriptures that promise strength and hope.
Key point 3. Only God can bring conviction and spiritual discernment (see John 16:3 and 1 Corinthians 2:11). Prayerfully commit yourself to go through all the Scriptures.
Key point 4. Daily confession and cleansing is the key to walking in the Spirit. Daily study of the Scripture, confession and repentance of known sin, and commitment to God’s ways are the essence of discipleship and Christian growth.
Key point 5. Do not be afraid of what God might show you or ask of you. Spiritual growth is a lifetime process, and God will show mercy and give you guidance.
Key point 6. Satan designs strategies to keep you from knowing and walking with God. Effective spiritual warfare can be boiled down to one key principle:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7NIV)
Key point 7. There is enormous power when two or three “agree together” concerning a prayer request (Matt. 18:14).
4. Close the session by quoting God’s special invitation to each of us, found in James 4:8(NIV): “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
 
RETURNING TO HOLINESS
A Journey to Revival Through Daily Cleansing

OUTLINE OF WEEKLY SESSIONS

 

UNIT ONE

Preparing for your Journey

 

 


Date

 

Week 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2

 

Week 3

 

Week 4

 

Week 5

 

Week 6

 

Week 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 8

 

Topic

 

Setting Goals

Preparing for a Life-changing Journey

 

UNIT TWO

Beginning your Journey

 

 

Sins of Thought

 

Sins of Attitude

 

Sins of Speech

 

Sins of Relationships

 

Sins of Commission

 

Sins of Omission

Sins of Self-Rule and Self-Reliance

 

 

UNIT THREE

Onward to Powerful Prayer and Service

 

 

Steps to Powerful Prayer

Appendix A – Assurance of Salvation

 

Pages

 

vii

1-10

 

 

 

 

 

15-23

 

24-31

 

32-37

 

38-48

 

49-57

 

58-65

66-73

 

 

 

 

 

 

78-86

87-100

 


WORKSHEET FOR Week 1

 

 

 

 

 
1. Define the following words:
    
holiness
revival
repentance

 

 

 
2. Read Baptist leader Guy Greenfield’s statements on holiness of believers:

“Holiness is believing Christians was attained through the cross and is to be preserved in clean and moral living.

 

Being sanctified, or made holy, is a work of the Holy Spirit on the basis of Christ’s atonement that calls for obedient submission from those who have been saved.

 

Christians are holy because of their calling in Christ, because of His atonement for their sins, and because of the continual ministrations of the Holy Spirit.”

(Holman Bible Commentary, pp. 661-662)

 

 

3. colspan=2 style="border-bottom-width:2pt;border-bottom-style:solid;">Write your first and second priority goals (see p. xii in the book).

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES


HOLINESS

 

Week 2

 

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS

 

 

 

   
1. Make one copy of the devotion, Importance of the Mind, for each teacher.
2. All teachers should have a sample copy of the Unit 2 poster, Seven Categories of Sin” to use in making a large poster for display. Or you may choose to enlarge the sample copy, making enough enlarged copies for all classes.
3. You may wish to make enough copies of Worksheet 2, March 10, for class members in all classes at one time and have them available for the teachers along with the copy of the Teaching Plans.

Just a reminder – If you plan to encourage Scripture memorization, teachers should make specific plans with class members. You may want to use Scripture portions in the Hope for Today booklet, or choose others.


RETURNING TO HOLINESS

 

Week 2

 

TEACHING PLANS

 

 

 

Preparation for this lesson

 

 
1. Prepare a large Unit 2 poster, “Seven Categories of Sin” to display March 10 – April 21.
2. Provide copies of Worksheet 2, March 10, for all members.
3. Made a copy of the devotion, Importance of the Mind, in advance, to assign to a class member to use as a resource for preparing a brief devotion (4-minute limit)
4. Write these Scripture references on pieces of paper for distribution to volunteers to be read when called for: 1 John 5:13; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Colossians 3:3.

 

 

TEACHING THE LESSON

 

Step 1 To Begin the Session

 
1. Call attention to the Unite 2 poster, Seven Categories of Sin.” Read the title of today’s lesson, “Sins of Thought.”
  
2. Say: Scripture tells us that sin begins in the heart and mind. Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (NIV).
3. Call for the previously assigned devotion, The Importance of the Mind. (See suggestions in Preparation for the lesson, item #3)
4. Hand out copies of Worksheet 2. Tell the class to look at #1 on the worksheet as you read aloud the proverb, “Sow a thought, reap an act…”

Read Proverbs 23:7 from the King James Version: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

Ask: What does the Scripture and proverb say to you? (What one thinks is a large part of who he is.)

 

Step 2 Explore Scripture

 

 
1. Say: As we begin to think about spiritual cleansing and renewal, we must first be sure of our salvation.
2. Have members read silently the three Scriptures printed on page 15 of their book, then write the central truth of each passage on the worksheet (Item #2) in space provided. After two or three minutes ask volunteers to share what they have written. Be sure responses include the following ideas:

Matthew 7:22,23 - In the day of judgment, many who think they are saved will discover they do not know God.

John 17:3 – True salvation consists of knowing Christ in a life-changing personal relationship.

Romans 8:16: - People who are genuinely saved can have assurance of their salvation.

 

 
3. Tell the class that God wants us to be certain of our salvation. Call for the reading of 1 John 5:13. Say: We can be grateful that our eternal security is not dependent on our goodness, but on Jesus’ righteousness. Our part is faith, repentance, and commitment to Christ.
4. Lead the class to discuss three general kinds of thoughts: (1) Christ-centered thoughts, (2) thoughts related to our earthly lives, and (3) evil thoughts. Tell members they may make notes in the space provided under item #3 on the worksheet. Use the following ideas as needed.
(1) Christ-centered thoughts

Say: Let’s talk about some examples of Christ-centered thoughts.

(Suggestions: studying and meditating on Scripture; reading Christian inspirational books and magazines; choosing and implementing plans for ministry and service through the church; thoughts of adoration and praise to God; thoughts of gratitude to God for His creation and blessings.

Ask: What does meditating on Scripture entail? (Exploring God’s message to you; considering changes you need to make)

 

(2) Thoughts related to earthly lives

Ask the class to give some examples of thoughts relating to everyday life.

(Making plans for daily living: jobs, children, schools, retirement, health, community interests, leisure time activities)

Explain that we should give appropriate thought to making our daily lives the best they can be, and should seek God’s guidance and help.

Ask: What are some hindrances to living successful, productive lives?

(Leading such busy lives one may tend to leave God out; failure to seek

God’s guidance may result in making poor choices, setting wrong

Priorities, and acting from wrong motives.)

(3) Evil thoughts

Ask: What kind of thoughts are contrary to God’s commands?

(impure thoughts, thoughts of fear, worry, resentment, unbridled anger, pride, prejudice, hate.)

Say: Paul reminds believers that we are to bring our thoughts in line with what God expects. Call for the reading of 2 Corinthians 10:5.

 

5. Discuss: What are some things we can do to change a sinful pattern of thinking?

(Suggestions: (1) On becoming aware of a wrong thought, confess it to God and ask His forgiveness. (2) Replace a sinful thought with a more Christ=centered one. (3) Memorize key Scriptures that can be brought to mind when needed.

Have members read silently Philippians 4:8 (printed on the worksheet, #4. Or you may have them read it in unison.

Say: In verse 7 Paul had just counseled his readers to “be anxious for nothing, but make their requests known to God, and his peace would guard their hearts and minds. Verse 8 reinforces the truth that if we focus our thoughts on what is right and good, God will bless us immeasurably with His peace and His presence.

 

Step 3 Apply Bible Truth to Life
1. Lecture briefly on making God the primary focus of our lives:
Although we know we will live on this earth only a short time, most people live their lives as though we will be here forever. We should spend more time thinking of and preparing for kingdom citizenship. We want to look at some practical ways to make the things of God the primary focus of our lives.
 
(Call for the reading of Col. 3:3) Paul’s statement that we set our affection on things above corresponds with Jesus’ reminder that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Believers truly want to put God first, but in our human frailty, we fail to do so again and again. Spiritual cleansing requires consistent and persistent effort on our part.
2. Ask: What are some things that will help us achieve the goal of putting God first? Allow time for responses from members. The following ideas should be brought out:
 
(1) Daily prayer – Should include praise, and expressions of gratitude to God, confession and repentance of sin, right motivation in making requests of God for ourselves and others, and commit ourselves to God’s will as we seek His help and guidance.
(2) Consistent Bible study – May include a planned daily Bible study, note taking and mediation on Scripture, and memorizing key passages.
(3) Worship – avoid making worship merely ritualistic; put for a special effort to prepare your heart for worship as you show reverence and honor to God; allow the music and the message to speak to you in a true worship experience. When your church observes the Lord’s Supper, ask yourself, is my participation a time of self-examination and renewed commitment to God?
3. Conclude the lesson with a summary statement or two, similar to the following:

Read aloud Hebrews 12:14 (printed on p. 21 of the book). Tell the class that the pursuit of holiness – becoming more Christlike – should be a priority for every believer. Basic to this pursuit is changing our thought patterns to meet God’s approval. Suggest that, if they have not done so, members might like to record in their journal or notebook any changes they think God would have them make in their thinking and made it a matter of prayer this week.


  
WORKSHEET FOR WEEK 2
1. Do you remember this familiar proverb?
Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny.
 
(1) The same thought is expressed in Proverbs 23:7 – “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (KJV)
(2) What is the proverb and Scripture saying to you? Write your answer.
   
2. Read the Scripture below (printed on p. 15 of your book), then write the central truth of each passage in the space provided.
Matthew 7:22,23
 
John 17:3
 
 
Romans 8:16
  
 
3. Notes on three kinds of thoughts:
    
Christ-centered –
Our earthly lives –
Evil –
4. Read Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

HOLINESS

 

Week 3

 

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR LEADERS

 

 

 

1. Make copies of the following for each teacher:
 
(1) One copy of Teaching Plans for each teacher.
(2) One copy of devotion “Why attitudes Matter” for teacher’s use as a resource
(3) Two copies of “Assignment/Reports” sheets for each teacher. One copy will be cut apart and assignments given out in advance. The other copy is for the teacher’s use during the session.

Provide copies of Worksheet 3, for all class participants.


RETURNING TO HOLINESS

 

Week 3

 

SINS OF ATTITUDE

 

TEACHING PLANS

 

 

 

Preparation for this lesson

 

 
1. Provide copies of Worksheet 3, for all members
2. Obtain a copy of the devotion, “Why Attitude Matters” for teacher’s use as a resource.
3. Prepare in advance written assignments for eight people assigned to bring brief reports to the class on the following subjects: (1) A lukewarm attitude toward God, (2) Sin of Pride, (3) Sin of Vanity (self-centeredness), (4) An attitude of prejudice, (5) Sin of Unbelief, (6) An angry or disagreeable attitude, (7) An unloving attitude, (8) The sin of materialism.
4. Obtain 2 copies of the “Assignment/Reports” sheet. Cut one apart for making assignments in advance; keep the other for your use in class.

 

Teaching the Lesson

 

Step 1 To begin the session

1. Say: God is not only interested in our actions; He also evaluates the attitude behind

the action

.

2. Call attention to the lesson title , Sins of Attitude, on the Unit 2 poster (Seven Categories of Sin).

Ask: You may recall your parents saying to you, “You’ve got an attitude problem!” What did they mean? (Possible response: You were looking at something from a wrong perspective.)

 

 
3. Present devotional comments on “Why Attitude Matters” similar to those provided in the devotional resource.

4. Hand out worksheet 3. Have members read item #1 silently and follow instructions.

After a few moments, give members an opportunity to share what they wrote.

 

Step 2 Explore the Scripture

1. Tell the class that several people will report on sinful attitudes discussed in today’s lesson. (Assigned in advance) Have members turn to item #2 on the worksheet.

Suggest that they make a note of something helpful each speaker says as reports are given.

2. Call for reports. After each report you may want to bring out a thought that was not mentioned or make a general statement similar to the ones below.
(1) Report 1 (lukewarmness - p.24)

When a Christian is lukewarm toward God it becomes apparent that his love for God is not as great as he thought it was.

 

 

(2) Report 2 (pride – pp. 24,25)

A proud, self-righteous person sees little need for spiritual cleansing and growth in his own life. Think about this: Why is it so difficult to recognize self-righteousness in ourselves?

 

(3) Report 3 (vanity; self-centeredness, pp.25, 26)

God is not pleased with the person who is overly concerned with himself and his own needs and desires. Have the class turn to item #3 on the worksheet entitled “Meditation.” and read it silently. (Or it may be read aloud.)

 

(4) Report 4 (prejudice - pp.26,27)

God is no respecter of persons but loves all people equally. He expects believers to respect and care about people of every race, culture, class and creed just as He does.

 

(5) Report 5 (unbelief - p. 27)

Believers of weak faith tend to experience doubt, worry, and fear for the future rather than trust God who has promised to be with us no matter what. He has promised perfect peace to those who choose to trust Him. (Isaiah 26:3)

 

(6) Report 6 (unbridled anger - pp.27, ,28)

An angry, contentious attitude is in direct contrast to what God desires for His people. The Spirit cannot work in an angry heart.

 

(7) Report 7 (unloving - pp. 28,29)

God is love, and He expects believers to develop toward others a loving spirit that refuses to hold grudges, is willing to forgive, and practices kindness. (Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

 

(8) Report 8 (materialistic - pp.29,30)

Americans have lived in an affluent society for many years. Many of us have come to consider the things we want as necessities. Ask: What are some wrong attitudes that some people to be more materialistic? (Possible answers: covetousness, pride, greed, discontent, poor management)

 

  Step 3 Apply truth to life

 
1. Ask members if they have become aware, during this study, of a wrong attitude they need to work on. Have them record their thoughts after item #4 on the worksheet.
2. Suggest to members that if they have not yet worked through this chapter at home on a daily basis they should try to do so this week. They should not skip chapters. Remind them of the plan for seeking spiritual cleansing: Read the Scriptures, meditate on them, read the paragraph below the Scripture and the Questions for Reflection (answering them honestly), then during your prayer time ask God to convict you of any changes you need to make in this area. Close your prayer by confessing and repenting of any sin revealed to you, and ask God’s guidance as you seek to make needed changes in your life.

Close the session with prayer.


Devotional Thoughts for Week 3

 

WHY ATTITUDE MATTERS

 

 

“The only disability in life,” said Olympic gold figure skater Scott Hamilton “is a bad attitude.” You may recall that Scott Hamilton had a lot of obstacles to overcome on his way to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. He remained optimistic, however, and never gave up. He had a good attitude even in adversity.

 

What do we mean, then, when we talk about attitude? According to Webster’s Dictionary, one definition is, “a manner showing one’s feelings or thoughts; one’s disposition, opinion, etc.”

 

Attitude can be good or bad. The way we view ideas, events, or circumstances in life has its roots in our thinking and the conclusions we reach. Most non-Christians look at issues not situations from a world-view that is often in stark contrast to the biblical view. A Christian whose spiritual life is not what it should be can easily fall prey to the distortions of a world-view perspective that leaves God out.

 

T.W. Hunt, noted author of The Mind of Christ and former professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, recently told seminary students, “You will not know the spiritual world through natural faculties…Being a spiritual person is a daily way of life.” To make that truth a part of our lives is the main purpose of this study on Returning to Holiness.


WORKSHEET for Week 3

 

 

1. QUOTATIONS

Read the following two quotations then write why you think a bad attitude would be a hindrance to you.

 
(1) “The only disability in life is a bad attitude,” Scott Hamilton, Olympic gold star figure skater.
(2) “Being a spiritual person is a daily way of life.” T.W. Hunt, author and former professor of Southwestern Baptist Seminary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. SINS OF ATTITUDE

As each report is given in class, make a note of something helpful the speaker said.

 
(1) lukewarm attitude toward God

 

 
(2) sin of pride

 

 
(3) sin of vanity (self-centeredness)

    

 
(4) sin of prejudice

 

 
(5) sin of unbelief

 

 
(6) unbridled anger or disagreeable attitude

 

 
(7) an unloving attitude

 

 
(8) materialistic

 


 

 
3. MEDITATION

My desire is to put SELF in its proper place:

God first, because I honor Him as Lord;

Others second, as an expression of God’s kind of love;

Self last, because I seek to do God’s will.

 

My prayer is that my life be so transformed

That I will live in obedience to His Word,

Share my witness to those who know Him not,

And show compassion to someone who needs me.

 

 
- Bessie L. Kennedy

 

 

 

4. YOUR THOUGHTS

Has God made you aware of any attitudes He wants you to change? Think about each of the areas discussed in today’s lesson, and decide where you may need to improve.

Jot down your thoughts in the space below.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR

 

ASSIGNMENT/REPORTS

 

  

 

Report 1. Topic: A lukewarm attitude toward God (p.24)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
Report 2 Topic: Sin of pride (pp.24, 25)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
 
 
Report 3. Topic: Sin of vanity (self-centeredness) (pp.25, 26)
Assigned to:
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you)
  
2, Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
Report 4: Topic: Sin of prejudice (pp. 26,27)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
Report 5. Topic: Sin of unbelief (p. 27)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading a Scripture printed in the text.
 
Report 6. Topic: Unbridled anger or disagreeable attitude (pp.27, 28)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
 
   
Report 7. Topic: An unloving attitude (pp.28, 29)
Assigned to:
 
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2. Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.
 
 
Report 8. Topic: Sin of materialism (pp.29, 30)
Assigned to:
1. Prepare a two-minute report on the assigned topic. (Suggestion: Tell why God is displeased with this attitude, and why you think it would be self-defeating for you.)
2, Begin your report to the class by reading one of the Scriptures printed in the text.

SPEECH

 

Week 4

 

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS TO LEADERS

 

 

 
1. Provide copies of the puzzle, “Sins of Speech” for all individuals participating in the study. Give one copy of the completed puzzle to each teacher.

 

 
2. Made two copies of the GROUP ASSIGNMENTS sheet for each teacher – one to cut apart and distribute during the session, and one for the teacher’s use.

 

3. See that each classroom has a chalkboard or a large poster (or sheet of paper) for

Use with this lesson. Poster board, butcher paper, or newsprint may be used.

Provide chalk or a marker as needed.

     

 

4. Provide each teacher with a copy of what the completed poster, Types of Sinful

Speech may look like. (Responses will vary, but this may provide additional suggestions.)


RETURNING TO HOLINESS

 

Week 4

 

TEACHING PLANS

 

 

 

Preparation for this lesson

 

1. Made copies of the puzzle “Sins of Speech” for all members, and one copy of the completed puzzle for the teacher. Have pencils available.
2. At the top of a chalkboard or large poster write “Types of Sinful Speech.”

Draw three vertical lines to form four columns with the following headings:

Foul Speech, Untruthful speech, Disagreeable speech, and Fighting words.

This activity will be completed as instructed in the lesson plans. (A copy of what the completed activity might include is provided.) Have chalk or marker available.

3. Prepare four study group assignments to be used as directed in the teaching plans. Two copies of the GROUP ASSIGNMENTS sheet should be made.

One copy should be cut apart in advance, ready to be given out to the four study groups. The teacher should have a copy for use in class.

 

 

 

Teaching the lesson

 

Step 1 To introduce today’s topic

 
1. Pass out copies of the puzzle “Sins of Speech.” Provide pencils for those who need one. Tell the class that work on the puzzle will introduce us to the kind of speech patterns God condemns. If members do not complete the puzzle within the allotted time, they may finish at home. Allow no more than 10 minutes for this activity.
2. Begin with this true illustration: After former president Richard Nixon resigned the presidency in the 1970’s and his White House tapes were released to the public, many people were shocked and disturbed by the foul language the president had used in his conversations in the Oval Office.

We have become aware in recent years of an unprecedented explosion of vile speech in our society. Some of us were taught in our younger years that to resort to the use of slang or profanity indicated that we had a poor grasp of the English language. While there may be some truth to it, we know that people from all walks of life often use foul language (President Nixon, for example.)

God declares that the use of foul, untrue, or disagreeable speech is a sin. As Christians, we still have to deal with our sinful natures. In this study we want to decide if we engage in any sinful speech patterns that we need to change.

Step 2 Examine Scripture

1. Divide the class into four groups (or pairs if your class is small). If necessary, individuals could work alone.

Distribute the group assignments. Allow five to ten minutes for group study then call for reports. A reporter from each group will read a Scripture, answer a question assigned to them, and ask the class to help list descriptive words in the appropriate column.

 
2. The teacher may add suggestions or comments as needed. Your copy of the completed activity may be useful.

Step 3 Look at life applications

1. Say: There are a number of reasons why believers become involved in harmful speech patterns, sometimes without realizing it. One of the most obvious is carelessness. We don’t plan it – we just don’t think before we speak.
 
(1) Jesus made a compelling statement about careless speech: “But I tell you that men will have to give account of the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).
(2) Ask: If this is true of careless speech, what would Jesus have to say about the malicious or hateful speech that we often purposely engage in?
(3) Say: It is important that we find ways to make our speech reflect the spirit of Christ.
2. Say: The spirit of Christ is best seen in His incomparable love. . To reflect His spirit of love, we must do as He commanded and love one another. We are told to even love our enemies.

Ask: What are some of the practical aspects of demonstrating love through our speech? (Po