An Uncomprimising Stand

TEXT: Titus 1:10-16; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 13:9, Psalm 1

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The importance of resisting various deviations from original Azusa doctrine (Jesus only, once in grace, sanctification occurs only through growth, allowance for remarriage)

QUESTIONS

• How are our doctrinal teachings under attack in our day?
• What is the significance of the fact that the Apostolic Faith continues to adhere to the doctrines taught at Azusa Street? (This was the doctrinal position—the belief in the necessity of salvation and a definite experience of sanctification—upon which God poured out His Spirit.)
• What are some steps we can take to defend and uphold our spiritual heritage?
• Why is it important to stand unwaveringly for the truth? How might our stand for the truth or lack thereof impact others?
• What is the result of a confused or “flexible” moral and spiritual viewpoint?
• Hebrews 2:1 gives a specific command regarding how we can maintain our doctrinal teaching. What did the author say to do?
• Parallel the commandment given in Deuteronomy 19:14 to our responsibility regarding the preservation of a pure doctrine.
• In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul challenges Timothy to “preach the word.” In verses 3-4, he lists four responses people will have. What were those responses? Give an illustration of each.
• Which doctrines are especially under attack in our day? (Sanctification, Marriage is for Life, Eternal Heaven and Hell.)
• Name at least four Biblical characters who fearlessly stood for the truth.
  

EXTRA HELP FOR TEACHERS

Darrel Lee sermon “Withstand the Current” from Higher Way 96-3

“Preserve the Landmarks” from Higher Way 96-5

Quote from A Strength Not my Own by LeRoy Lawson Pg. 58 “C. T. Studd, missionary in China in the 1880s, reported he couldn’t venture outside without a volley of curses from his neighbors. Worldwide, things have not improved since then. In fact, the twentieth century has been the century for persecution of Christians, the bloodiest period in all history for believers in Christ, averaging 300,000 Christian martyrdoms each year. According to David Barrett, editor of the World Christian Encyclopedia, martyrdom is not an “outrageous exception, but a part of a surprisingly regular 2,000-year pattern where persecution and suffering are the normal lot of the body of Christ” (quoting Christianity Today, March 19, 1990, pg. 12)

OPENER/OBJECT LESSON

Take enough unsharpened pencils for all your students, along with one or more Styrofoam bricks (can be found at any craft store or Wal-Mart). Pass out the pencils and challenge your students to stand them on the unsharpened end. Some will get them to stand, but blow them down as soon as it stands for a few seconds. Then begin asking questions like “Why couldn’t you get the pencil to get/stay up?” Spend a few minutes discussing the concept of foundations. Ask the kids to suggest some good and bad things people use for foundations. You may get answers like: “God”; “Alcohol”; “Friends”; “Sex”; etc... Then get out the Styrofoam brick and have them jab the pencils into it. Discuss what it means to let Jesus be there foundation. When we are grounded in Him and in the Gospel truth, we will not waver when the storms and pressures of life come our way.

ACTIVITY IDEAS

Show Frank Peretti video “The Chair.”

Fill up a large jar (larger than a quart, if possible) half way up with popcorn. Take a ping pong ball and push it to the bottom of the popcorn. Put the lid on the jar and swirl the jar around. After a few seconds, the ping pong ball will rise to the top of the popcorn. After you show this demonstration, discuss what habits and traits a person needs to develop that would help them rise above temptation and pressure to forsake the Gospel.

To illustrate that our church with have strength as we all take an uncompromising stand together, hand each student two strands of thread. Ask them to break one strand…it should not be difficult. Then collect all of the threads. Tie a knot in one end and ask a student to hold the knot. Divide the threads into three sections and braid into a cord as you discuss how a shared belief, values, experiences, etc. will bind us together. Then demonstrate that the braided cord cannot be broken!

Role play showing some Dos and Don’ts of defending doctrine (for example with classmates). Consider using Eternal security, one true God, marriage for life, etc. The point should be made that we need the Holy Spirit to guide and help us in situations like that.