TEXT: Review Quarter Texts
OBJECTIVE
The students, when summarizing the main points of the lessons studied during this past quarter, will be able to explain what it means to be pardoned, prepared, and powerful.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Consecration is the formula for achieving the spiritual goal identified in this quarter: a pardoned, prepared, and powerful Christian. The sinner who comes to God in repentance must give his life to God and promise to serve Him with his whole heart. At that point, he is pardoned, but the necessity for consecration has only just begun. The converted heart still needs to have the Adamic nature removed, and this requires a further consecration. When the experience of sanctification has been received, there is still a need for power on the life. This power for service also comes through consecration.
The necessity for consecration does not cease when we have received the three foundation experiences, for consecration is not a one-time, all-inclusive commitment to God. In order to maintain God's power on our lives, we must die to self daily. The Apostle Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). A wholly consecrated life is not an option, it is a necessity if one is to keep the power of God on his life.
QUESTIONS
As we look at the three words which express the theme for this quarter—pardoned, prepared, and powerful—we find a spiritual goal set before each of us. God's part and our part in each of these words are closely intertwined. When we come to God in a spirit of consecration and surrender, He pardons our sins, prepares us for service by giving us the deeper spiritual experiences, and makes us powerful witnesses to the world. As we review the lessons we have studied this past quarter, let us not fail to give honor to God who has provided so much for us.
- How do the consequences of Adam's disobedience extend to all mankind? See Romans 5:12. Given that knowledge, what is our hope? See 1 Corinthians 15:22
Response: The students should recognize that in Romans 5:12, the phrase, "one man," refers to Adam. Because he disobeyed God, sin and death entered the world, and since that time, all people who come into the world are born in sin. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). However, in 1 Corinthians 15:22 we find the hope—the opportunity for a new life through Christ.
- What does the word redemption mean, as used in the Biblical sense?
Response: The word redemption, in the Bible times, drew its meaning from a parallel with the marketplace concept, "to buy back." It contained both the idea of deliverance, and the price of that deliverance. The fundamental idea of the word is a dual one: redemption from sin, and redemption to newness of life. Jesus redeemed us from the Law and its penalty, and from Satan and all evil. Redemption brings a new relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Only Christ, because of His sinless Blood, could satisfy the requirements of the ransom and meet the demands of the Law. He voluntarily assumed our guilt so that we might go free.
- What is the difference between conviction and repentance, and why are both necessary?
Response: Conviction is a realization of one's sinfulness before God. It is necessary for a person to recognize his sinful state before he can feel any repentance, which is a godly sorrow for sin accompanied by a renunciation of it. See Psalm 34:18 and Isaiah 55:7.
- Salvation is a gift, and our redemption was purchased on Calvary by the Blood of Jesus. Still, action must be taken to receive this experience. Read Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 7:10, and 1 John 1:9, and then describe this action.
Response: In discussing the answer to this question, the students should conclude that in addition to having faith, we must be sorry for our transgressions and have true repentance for our sins. If we do as 1 John 1:9 says—confess our sins to the Lord— He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Thus, when all the above has been accomplished on our part, this born-again experience may be claimed and we become new creatures in Christ Jesus.
- Is the great work of sanctification immaterial? Is it left to the individual Christian as to whether he should seek for this second definite work of grace? Why or why not? See Genesis 17:1, Leviticus 11:44, and 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Response: Elicit your students' answers. Bring out in discussion that God's command to the redeemed is no different today (Hebrews 12:14). How can any man profess to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and yet not be willing to obey the will of God? Sanctification cannot be simulated nor counterfeited—it must be genuine and from the Lord.
- In reference to Acts 1:8, what does the Holy Ghost bring into our lives? Why is it important to put this into action?
Response: This discussion should bring out that the Holy Ghost is given as an enduement of power in one's life to be a witness for the Lord. This power should be put into action, according to the direction of the Holy Ghost, that one might be better able to touch the lives of others with God's love.
- Jesus' command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15) was basically limited to personal witnessing. Preaching to large groups was also a possibility, as the Apostle Peter did on the Day of Pentecost. What are some of the means of communication used effectively in spreading the Gospel today? How can each individual help in this endeavor?
Response: Encourage students to give their answers. Probably they will bring out the use of public meetings; the use of printed materials, including materials translated into foreign languages; personal correspondence; the use of radio broadcasts; missionary enterprises; etc. An individual can help by praying for each activity and for those involved, by helping in each activity as much as possible, whether it be personal involvement, or perhaps providing part of the costs of these functions.
- The Gospel in the early time of the Apostles had been preached only to the Jews, Samaritans who observed the Law of Moses, and converts to Judaism (known as proselytes), excluding the Gentiles. Peter, in preaching at Cornelius’ home, stated, "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). What was the significance of this statement? What happened as Peter was preaching?
Response: This statement confirms that Peter was thoroughly convinced that God's grace was being extended to the Gentiles as well as to his own people. He could see there was no partiality with God. The class will bring out that while Peter was preaching, the Holy Ghost fell on those who heard his words, and they spoke with tongues and magnified God.
- We have often heard the quote, "Keep on keeping on." Several Scriptures encourage us to do this in order to have complete victory. List some of the ways Satan would try to hinder our walk with the Lord. In addition, list some of the ways we can fight the enemy's attack. See James 4:7, 1 Peter 1:13, Isaiah 26:3, James 1:12, and Galatians 6:9.
Response: Your students may conclude that temptations, afflictions, peer pressure, financial setbacks, and depression are among the tools of the devil. By seeking spiritual counsel, and turning to the Word of God for direction, we can be more than conquerors. The references given encourage us to fight the enemy's attack by resisting the devil, enduring temptation, focusing on Christ, maintaining peace, and keeping on.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Review the key verses learned during this quarter. Write the verses on 3 x 5 cards — one verse per card. In each verse, add a few words that could be substituted in place of the correct words. For example, you might write the verse from lesson 100 in this way: "Of a truth (fact) I perceive (see) that God is no (not a) respecter of persons (people)." Let your students take turns choosing a card and reading the verse to the class. Tell them they may read the chosen verses correctly or substitute one or more of the alternate words offered in parentheses. As each verse is read to the class, the other students must decide if it is being read correctly. If a student thinks the verse is being quoted incorrectly he should say, "stop!" If it was, indeed, incorrect and that student can give the correct word, he can receive either a point, or a prize, or the next turn, or some other reward. However, if he is wrong or if the verse was really being read correctly, he loses a point, or is "out" for the duration of the quiz.
Cut ten sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 paper in half lengthwise. Using ten of the strips of paper, write the following words (one word per sheet): Sin, Redeemer, Conviction, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, Baptism, Power, Witness, Commission. On the other ten strips of paper, write the definitions for each of these words (one definition per sheet). In class, have your students try to match each word with its definition. Talk about why each of these is so important in the Christian life.
Compare the words on the title page—Pardoned, Prepared, Powerful—with other things in life that must be done in the right succession. For example: When preparing a meal you first need to gather and mix ingredients, then you cook the food according to instructions given in the recipe, and finally you serve the food which is intended to give strength. When going on a journey, reservations must be made and tickets purchased so you are insured of a seat on the plane. You must pack your suitcase with things you will need on your trip. Then you must board the airplane so you won't be left behind.
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