TEXT: Hebrews 11:8-27
OBJECTIVE
The students will review the past twelve lessons. They will evaluate the characters studied, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and apply to their own lives the lessons learned.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Our study this past quarter has been focused on “Personality Profiles.” One meaning for the word profile is “a short, vivid biography briefly outlining the most outstanding characteristics of the subject.” The word outstanding usually refers to “something positive that is above the normal in an individual.” It certainly is a fact that one who wholly follows the Lord is a person to look to as an example. Because man still has the free will to decide if he wants to continue to follow the Lord or not, our examples in life might change. But Jesus is our overall example and He never fails. We must put our complete trust in Him.
QUESTIONS
During the past twelve weeks we have been studying a number of Biblical characters—some of whom were heroes of the faith and others who were not. But from each of them can be learned a valuable lesson. As we use this lesson to evaluate the characters studied, let us assess their strengths and weaknesses and apply to our own lives the lessons we have learned.
- Abraham’s life is an outstanding example of one who followed God in true faith and obedience. What are some traits in Abraham’s life that can be applied to Christian lives today?
Response: Abraham was willing to leave home to answer God’s call; he was willing to live in a tent, all the while anticipating his heavenly home; he maintained his faith and trust in God’s promise, though he had to wait twenty-five years; he did not withhold his dearest treasure from God, but was willing to offer Isaac. Discuss with your students the fact that God desires like faith and obedience in a Christian’s life today. God will take a person as high in His economy as that person wants to go, along a pathway similar to that which Abraham was called to walk.
- The Bible warns us against letting our lives become entangled with the affairs of this world. What is the danger in doing this? “Remember Lot’s wife.”
Response: The danger in becoming entangled in the sinful affairs of this world is that they will bring down God’s judgment if unrepented of. Ask the class to give some examples other than Lot’s wife. These could include Saul, Absalom, and Judas Iscariot. Continue the discussion to show that many who do become entangled do not find their way back to God.
- In Genesis 25:27-34 we see an example of one who defaulted from the grace of God through the forfeiture of his birthright for temporary secular gain. He exchanged spiritual well-being for momentary fleshly gratification. What are some of the ways we, as born-again believers, may protect our spiritual birthright?
Response: Direct your students’ answers to include the following: gaining access through prayer to the Throne of Grace; avoiding sin by skirting the boundaries of temptation; choosing a marriage partner who is like-minded; making friends and close associates from among the godly; selecting jobs based on His leading.
- What was John the Baptist’s particular purpose for this life and how is this call similar to the Christian’s call today? What can we do about it? See John 1:29-31.
Response: John’s purpose was to introduce Christ to the world. As Christians today that is our commission also (Mark 16:15). With God’s help, we must discipline ourselves to invite people to church, bring our conversation around to speaking a word for the Lord, live a consistent Christian life, give the proper printed literature to help someone spiritually, study the Scriptures so they can be used appropriately in conversation, and, above all, pray!
- The account of Peter’s actions in Acts shows a far different person than the one who denied his Lord. Trace the events that brought about this change.
Response: When Peter finally came to the realization that he had, indeed, denied Jesus, he repented and wept bitterly. He rejoined the disciples and reaffirmed his love for Christ. He then tarried for and received the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the 120 disciples in the Upper Room. This gave him power and boldness to witness for the risen Savior. Discuss the benefits of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and explain why it is a vital experience for the one who desires to be a truly effective worker for Christ.
- Scripture indicates that those who are faithful in the service of the Lord and love His appearing will receive a crown of righteousness. Describe what being faithful means and how people who are looking for Christ’s appearing should conduct themselves.
Response: Your students will, no doubt, offer a variety of answers. To be faithful means to keep the faith, be worthy of trust, be honest, loyal, dependable. Those who want to receive the crown of righteousness must keep Christ first, walk in the Light, be unspotted from the world, etc. It might be good to discuss how this can be done effectively.
- What assurance did Jochebed have that Moses would be safe when she placed him in the ark and laid it in the flags by the river’s brink? Explain how and why her attitude and actions are a good example to the Christian today. A helpful Scripture could be 2 Timothy 1:12.
Response: First, one must define what safe meant. If it meant the child would live, she had no assurance. However, if it meant that Moses was safe in God’s care no matter what happened, she had great assurance (Hebrews 11:23). God had put into her heart the same assurance that Paul had, though he declared it thousands of years later (2 Timothy 1:12). The point is that if they keep their hands off a matter, they can be assured that God will supply the need according to His will. You may want to discuss what can happen when they put their hands back on it.
- What quality in Solomon’s life is most commendable? Why is it important for Christians to seek this blessing?
Response: Wisdom. Solomon did right when he sought for wisdom. God added many other blessings. Bring out in discussion that the Christian needs wisdom from Above. This may not result in earthly prosperity or popularity, but it will result in a productive, godly life in this world and an eternal reward in the life to come.
- Each character in this quarter had decisions to make just as we do today. How do you know if the decisions you are making are right?
Response: As your class discusses this question, they will perhaps bring out that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a Guide and Teacher. This shows the importance of having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The right answer for any given situation may not be the same from one time to another, so it is imperative that we remain in constant touch with the Spirit for His direction. You will want to bring out that all of our decisions have to agree with the Word.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Ringer-Board Game: Make a game board by inserting twelve large nails, angled upward and evenly spaced in rows, on a sheet of plywood at least two feet square. When completed, place it on an easel. Cut out twelve 3x3- inch cards, punch a hole at the top, and write a question on each card concerning the last twelve lessons that have been studied. Give a point value for each question. Hang one card on each nail. Give your students, in turn, two rubber jar rings, or rope rings to toss at the board from a distance of about six feet, or whatever distance you feel is reasonable for your students. Each student may answer the question and earn the point for any nail he rings. You may want to add more questions depending on the size and age level of your class.
Hot Potato Review: Seat everyone in a circle and pass around a potato or some other object. The teacher stands facing away from the class and periodically says, “Stop.” The one holding the potato must answer a question about one of the twelve lessons studied in this quarter.
Enlarge the picture on the title page of this book by using an overhead or opaque projector. Mount the enlarged picture on poster board and cut it into puzzle pieces, leaving each face intact if possible. As you put the pieces together in class have the students tell you which characters they think the people represent. Discuss each character as you go along. When the picture is together discuss the fact that God could only use the people that trusted and obeyed Him.
On 3x5-inch cards write the names of the twelve personalities you have studied during this quarter. Tape one card on the back of each of your students. Don’t let them know the name! If you don’t have enough students to use all twelve cards just choose names for as many as you have. Have their classmates look at the names and then give clues. See how many students are able to guess “who” they are. To use this as a Review, choose twelve students from the department (it might be best to use only six or eight names so that the last student doesn’t guess who he is by process of elimination). Make the cards large enough for everyone to see. Have the other students give clues.
Use the Extra Activity on page 44 of the Answer as a springboard for class discussion.
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