6110 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76114

Phone: 817-738-7269
Email: westside@soundteaching.org
soundteaching.org

West Side church of Christ

VBS 2008

Growing in Grace Through Jesus
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
John 14:6
Lesson One
GRACE
What is God’s grace? Have you ever heard that word? Think about the songs you sing in worship services. Do you recall singing about God’s grace? The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:18 we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. So, if we are to grow in grace we need to learn what grace is and how to grow in it!
Have you ever received a gift for no reason? Not even a big gift, but maybe something small? Did you think the person who gave you that gift was pretty special? Did you say thank you? When you get a gift, you don’t have to pay for it do you? No, IT’S FREE!
That is what grace is. It is a free loving gift of forgiveness from God through His Son, Jesus. This gift of grace allows us to have a relationship or a partnership with Jesus here on earth and in heaven someday. Jesus willingly died on the cross to take away your sins just because He loves you and wants you to live with Him in Heaven someday. Once you receive this gift of grace you must treasure it and protect it.
JESUS GREW
Now that you know what God’s grace is how do you think you can “grow in the grace of Jesus?” Jesus want us to be like him, kind of being like a copy cat. Jesus is the best role model and hero you will ever have. He wants everyone to receive His gift of forgiveness which saves us from all of our sins.
Think about a hero of yours. If you were able to meet them how would you act around them? Would you want to please them simply because you admired them so much? You probably would want them to be proud of you, also. When you obey Jesus it should be because you want to please and thank Him for His special gift of grace.
Open your Bibles to Luke 2:52 and read what it says. The Bible tells us Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. It is easy to understand what it means to grow in wisdom. Growing in stature simply means your body grows. However, do you know what it means to grow in favor of God and man?
The meaning of grace in this verse is a little bit different than the grace we talked about before. This grace is talking about the way someone thinks about you and feels about you. When you obey your parents they are proud of you and think good things about you. When you grow in favor with God that means he is proud of you for obeying Him. Jesus tells us if we love Him, we will obey Him.
Although Jesus’ loving gift of forgiveness is free that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do your part. You do! Because, you must understand, you receive this gift when you become a Christian. Jesus tells all men to repent and to become Christians. The Bible tells us exactly how to become a Christian.
Using your Bible let’s study what the Bible says about what it take to become a Christian and going to heaven.
What does the Word say? Fill in the blanks
1. Ephesians 2: 8-9 tells us that it is by _____ you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the ___________God; We are saved by the grace of God through the obedience of our faith. Read Romans 16:26 No matter what we do we all have sin and heaven will always be a gift from God.
2. We must ______ God’s Word. Romans 10:17
3. We must believe. In Mark 16:16 the Bible tells us that he who __________and is _________shall be saved. God is a loving God and wishes for no one to lose their soul. John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and that whoever believes in Him shall be saved. Without _________ it is __________ to please Him. Hebrews 11:6
4. We must Repent. Jesus says in Luke 13:3 unless you _________ you will perish. Recognizing sin and being honest about your sins will cause you to have godly sorrow and this will motivate you to repent, 2 Corinthians 7:10. Another motivating factor is that God commands us to repent, Acts 17:30.
5. We must confess that Jesus is the Son of God.
Romans 10:9 The Bible teaches if you ________with your mouth _________________ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
6. We must be baptized. Acts 2:38 The apostle Peter said, “Repent and be ________ everyone of you and you shall receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
7. We must live a Christian life.
Revelation 2:10 we are told to be __________ unto ________ and we shall ________ a crown of life. Paul says in Philippians 3:14-15, “ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude”
PRESS ON!
Growing in Grace Through the Knowledge of God’s Word
“How shall the young secure their hearts?”
Psalm 119:9
Lesson Two
The Bible is how God chose to express himself to us and how to instruct us in His ways. It is where we go to learn everything we need to know pertaining to life and godliness. Grace and peace is abundantly ours to have through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. By His grace and peace we receive His magnificent and precious promise to receive eternal life. We are called to be His children through His revelation to us. (2 Peter 1:1-3)
Do you remember the song the “B-I-B-L-E?” “The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me! I stand upon the word of God the B-I-B-L-E.” Children have been singing that song for years. What they may not realize is this song is teaching just how important the Bible will be in their lives. The Psalmist in 119:9 asks the question, “How shall the young keep their way pure?” He answers, “By keeping God’s word.”
Get Appreciation
In Isaiah 55:10-11 God speaks beautifully about His word. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
God tells us in this verse that He gives us all we need. With His Word He nourishes us like the rain nourishes the earth; He strengthens us like the earth in bloom and he equips us like the seed supplies the grain for bread. Grow in God’s grace by appreciating what God has done for you by supplying us with his Words.
Get Profitable Instructions
How are you to keep God’s commandments if you don’t know what they are? That is why it is so important to spend time reading God’s word. In 2 Timothy 3 the apostle Paul wrote to his young friend, Timothy and told him to remain faithful to the things he was taught from his childhood and to the things he had been convinced of. In verses 16-17 Paul tells Timothy why spending time studying God’s Word is so important: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
One commentator puts it this way:
We need teaching to learn what is right; Reproof to learn what is not right; Correction to learn how to be right; Training to learn how to stay right.
This accurately explains the importance of knowing your Bible. It is absolutely essential in your growth as a godly young man or woman. Will you grow in God’s grace by equipping yourself with God’s word?
Get Understanding
Above all, the apostle Peter tells us, we are to understand that the Bible was written by men inspired through the Holy Spirit and not through the interpretation of man’s own will. (2 Peter 1:16-21) Peter says he was honored by God to be an eyewitness to the majesty of the life of Jesus such as when he heard the voice of God speak of Jesus as His Son’ in whom he was well pleased. ‘(Mathew 17:5) These were events actually happened and they were not ‘cleverly’ devised tales made up of men. Peter encourages the faithful to continue to increase their knowledge of God’s word and stand firm in their convictions to serve Him. How do you plan to grow in God’s grace through His inspired word?
Get the Facts
The Bible has one author-God. He used about 40 inspired men to help Him record his words in the form of the Bible. There are 66 books in the Bible. The Old Testament has 39 books and The New Testament has 27. God wrote the Ten Commandments with His own finger. The Bible was written in a time span of about 1600 years with no mistakes! How can that be?
Many people have tried to destroy God’s word in the past. In Jeremiah 36 we read Jehoiakim, king of Judah tried to. Read this whole chapter, plus Chapter 2 verse one. In this chapter you will learn no one can destroy the Word of God. You will also gain some understanding of one way the Bible was recorded for all to read.
Get Started
What better way to grow in your knowledge of God’s word than by mediating and praying the thoughts recorded in Psalm 119:1-8 This is a psalm of praise honoring the glory of God’s word. Will you glorify God though obedience to His word?
Walk in the law of the Lord
Observe God’s testimonies
Diligently keep God’s precepts (teachings)
Establish your habit to keep God’s statutes
Be Thankful for God’s commandments
Keep God’s statutes because His judgments are righteous.
Study Guide - Lesson Two
Fill in the blanks:
Psalm 27:4 “ _____________ thing I have ______________from the LORD, that I shall __________: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD _____________. _______________To behold the ]beauty of the LORD and to ____________ in His temple.” (NASB)
What do you think? If you could ask only one thing of the Lord, what would it be? ________________________________________
What does the Word say? Who wrote Psalm 27? The answer should be at the beginning of the Psalm. __________________________________
What is your experience? David took the time to get to know the Lord and His character. Check the box below that fits your practice of spending time alone with God.
____I do it when I am not busy.
____No, I don’t, but I am willing to change.
____Yes, but I need to grow in consistency
____Yes, I am not perfect but I do try to spend time with God each day in prayer and in His word
What does the word say?
Read Psalm 119: 33-35
In this Psalm, King David makes three requests of the Lord. Circle the right answer.
vs.33 Teach me or Call me on the phone
vs. 34 Give me a new video game or understanding
vs. 35 make me swim or walk in God’s path
How did King David describe God’s word in Isaiah 55:10-11 ? Draw a line to the matching answer.
Rain and Snow To the sower
bear and sprout To water the earth
furnishing seed To the eater
bread To cause the earth to
King David prayed to God asking for three things In Psalm 119: 33-35.
Fill in the missing letters:
1. __each __e
2. Give ____e ____nder__tanding
3. M__ake ____e ____alk in the paths of your commandments.
What do you think?
The Lord will give you Understanding when you seek Him.
In which area of your life do you need more understanding?
____ I need more understanding in obeying my parents.
____ I need more understanding on being a better sibling.
____ I need more understanding about obeying God.
He will direct you.
3. Has there been a time in your life that you have found guidance you were seeking from the scriptures? If so, write it down. ________________________________________
Making it happen: Do you forget to brush you teeth in the morning before you leave your house? ( I hope not!) Just as any habit develops, (like brushing your teeth), so will your habit to discipline yourself to spend time with God and His word.
Read Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
With that verse in mind consider the suggestions below:
1. Consider When- Determine the best time of day for you for this quiet time. Maybe you need to get up a little earlier in the day. Maybe you need to turn the T.V. off sooner at night.
2. Consider What you will be reading. Remember the suggestions in the lesson. You may have already thought of something else you want to learn more about from God’s word. Just do it!
3. Consider Where. Find a good place where you won’t be disturbed or distracted. It may not be a good idea to lay in your bed at night to read; you may find you are too tired at the end of the day.
4. Consider How - Begin your time in prayer. You may want to keep a personal journal recording your efforts. Just don’t make your special time so routine that you are going through the motions. Make sure you let the words of the Lord speak to you.
Living the Word: Read Psalm 143:8
Fill in the blank:
Let me________Your _________________ in the morning; For I _______ in You; _________me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.
Psalm 119: 1-8
“How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their __________. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of ____________, When I learn Your righteous judgments. __________ shall keep Your statutes.”
What else does the Word say?
Can God’s word be destroyed?
(circle) yes or no
What was the name of the King who tried to destroy God’s words in Jeremiah 36?__________________
What was the consequence of his actions? (circle)
He died Nothing happened
His family could not sit on the throne
Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Disciplines
“God has given us not a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Lesson Three
Have you ever heard the word spiritual disciplines? Do you think it is some cosmic world that passes out punishment when needed? Of course Not! Spiritual Disciplines are the habits you develop to cause you to grow closer to God and Jesus. Each person must create their own method to accomplish this goal and to claim ownership to this special relationship. We will be discussing three things to help you to either start this habit or to enhance the one you already have started. The three things we will focus on are prayer, journaling and memorization.
Prayer — What is it?
Prayer can be described as the way we express ourselves to God. It is a matter between ourselves and God. It helps us walk hand in hand with God in our daily lives. Some prayer is private and some pray is public. Jesus speaks of both types in two different parables.
In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus tells us that at all times we should pray and we should not lose heart. He compares us as we pray to a woman who continually addresses an unjust judge with a certain request in which he continually denies. Jesus tells us God is not like this unjust judge. God is just and He honors our patient, persistent and persevering prayer with justice.
In Matthew 6:6 Jesus says, “when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Jesus tells us in this verse that prayer is private and personal and it is important to be alone with God in prayer. We read of the many times Jesus was alone with His Father in prayer.
Jesus doesn’t mean we should only pray alone. We should never be ashamed to pray publicly when the occasion arises. What is important to remember is that prayer is not something to be looked upon as entertainment or self-fulfilling action. Continue reading verses 9-14 in Luke 18. This parable is to teach us that whether our prayer is private or public that we should approach God with humility as sinners.
How and Why do we Pray?
Have you ever wondered how to pray? Have you been hesitant to pray because you couldn’t find the right words? Below is a formula, you may already know, to help you find the words to pray to the Lord. The formula is based on the word ACTS. Read Colossians 1: 9-23 as you look at the formula. These scriptures will help you understand the reason we pray and why we pray.
A = Adoration - Adoration is offering praise to God.
C = Confession/Repentance- Read Ezra 9:6 to observe his attitude in prayer.
T = Thanksgiving - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
S = Supplication- This is asking God for help for you and others. Read 3 John 2
Another powerful way to pray is to pray scripture. Here is a list of prayers for you from scripture to use in your prayer life.
A blessing - Numbers 6:24-26
A blessing - Psalm 20
A morning prayer Psalm 5
A prayer in times of distress - Psalm 6
A prayer in Trust - Psalm 23
A prayer for direction - Psalm 25
A prayer for healing - Psalm 30
A prayer of confession - Psalm 51
A prayer for the awareness of God - Psalm 63
A prayer of praise - Psalm 108, Psalm 139
A prayer of repentance - Psalm 130
JOURNALING
Journaling can be a form of private prayer It is simply writing down your thoughts on paper in a diary form Although God already knows your thoughts it may be something you find that will help you draw nearer to Him in a different way. You can tell God all your dreams, hopes, fears, King David transferred his thoughts and prayers to God in written form as we see in some of his songs of prayer above. As you begin journaling you will soon realize this time you spend with God will become so meaningful in your daily walk with Him. Your spiritual discipline will be strengthened. When you go back and read your journal you will be amazed just how God has worked in your life and how you may not have even realized it.
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
Finally, learn to memorize the words of the Bible-Scriptures! This is a vital part of developing your spiritual discipline. Doing this will not only draw you closer to God, it will allow you to be ready to give an answer about Him and Christ’s church when you are approached. Do you remember that commercial that reminded you not to leave home without your credit card! That rule especially applies here - Scripture - Don’t leave home without it! All of us have memorized a scripture here and there, but have you memorized an entire Psalm?
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
This verse says so much in just a few words. Usually, we think of hiding something as something we don’t want others to find out about. In this instance, however, we hide it away or tuck it away so that is safe and secure ready to be used for our own benefit in service to God.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER
You may use all three of these disciplines together to express yourself to God and to lead you to a spiritual mindedness. Take the time to write down in your journal Ephesians 1: 17-19. This is a prayer Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus . When you are writing this verse replace the word you with the word me. Read it often and hide it in your heart!
Study Guide - Lesson Three
WHAT IS YOUR FOCUS?
Ephesians 5:8-10
Have you focused on the purpose of your life, yet? Not necessarily your choice of career, but the master plan or overall goal for your life? Do you feel you are too young to be asking that question? Your answers to these questions will set the course for the rest of your life. Your focus or purpose for your life is like your compass. With the right compass you will get to a great destination and your journey along the way will be pleasing.
What does the Word say? What are Christians called in the verse above? ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fill in the blanks: “For the fruit of the Spirit or Light consists in all ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________.”
What does the word say? Verse 10 instructs us to find out what is acceptable in the sight of the Lord. What are some ways you can obey this? _______________________
What do you think? Do you ever wonder what God’s goal for you is? Do you ever wonder why he created you? God supplies the answers to many of life’s questions. He gave you His bible as His written word so that you may know what He has planned for you. If you are stumbling over a question in your life, search the scriptures to find your answer.
What does the word say? Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. True or False
We are to try to please God in our behavior and actions everyday. T or F
Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. True or False
Jesus died for all people T or F
We should please ourselves more than we please God.
T or F
What do you think? After you have read and studied these verses, do you think that to be a Christian you must give up other interests in life? (circle) yes or no
What does the word say? We read Christians are called to glorify Christ in ALL we do. The word glorify means to honor Him and draw attention to Him. Simply, if you are studying, playing sports, watching movies , going about your daily routines or pursuing your dreams God wants you to honor Him.
What do you think? Think about activities you are involving yourself in now and the places you are going. Talk about some ways you can glorify God in what you are doing.
Now, are there things that you are doing in your life that do not glorify God? If so, what will you do about it? What do you want to do about it? Do you need to ask God for forgiveness?
Your Hearts’ Focus: Glorifying God in your daily life is a matter of heart. What do you focus your heart on each day? What you focus your heart on each day is obviously where your focus will be.
What does the word say? Read Hebrews 12:2 and draw pictures of the missing words. (NASB)
“Fixing your ____________________ on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right __________________________of the ______________________of God.
What do you think? If you focus your heart and set your eyes on Jesus from today on how do you think your life will be affected? Incorporate ways to help you keep your focus on glorifying the Lord such as was discussed in the lesson.
Living the Word:
Draw a picture of the missing word
Pray that the eyes of your ______________ will be enlightened so that you will know what is the hope of His calling.
Ephesians 1:18
What do you think? As you continue to learn about Jesus what prayer would you write in your journal or pray in your heart?
What does the word say: Draw a picture of the missing word. Psalm 51:10:
Create in me a pure ___________ oh God.”
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
What is your compass? (circle an answer)
MYSELF MY PARENTS
JESUS A MOVIE STAR
Growing in Grace Through Obedience
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”
1 John 5:3
Lesson Four
By God’s Design
Imagine a world without rules, regulations, persons of authority or boundaries. What kind of world would it be? Obviously, this would be a world of chaos. Having no rules may seem like a lot of fun, but when you honestly think about it you realize there would be no personal rights or protection.
God in His wisdom knew this and designed authority as a way to protect us from harmful consequences. He provided persons of authority in governments to protect laws of men. He provided Jesus as the authority to rule over His church and protect His laws. He provided parents as authority over families to protect and guide their children. By so doing, God created a world of order and not chaos.
By His Son
Jesus was given authority by God to make commandments for all to follow (Matthew 28:18) and to be head of the church which He is the Savior of. (Ephesians 5:22) Authority is when someone has the right to decide what is right and what is wrong.
It is through the grace of God that Jesus is our Savior and because He never sinned He was the perfect sacrifice for us. He wants you to embrace Him in His authority, His law and His love.
By Jesus’ Blood
Before Jesus came to earth, we read in the Old Testament about the laws the Jewish people, also known as the Israelites, had to follow. The old law consisted of much more than just the ten commandments that many people are familiar with. They had to eat certain foods. The could only work and travel on certain days. Most importantly, they received forgiveness of sins through animal sacrifices. While the Israelites traveled in the wilderness they casts their sins on a goat and ran it out of the camp as a symbol of taking their sins away. (Leviticus 16:10) The Bible tells us after Jesus came to the earth and died on the cross all people were saved through His blood and not that of goats. Hebrews 10:4
What does the Bible say happened to the Old Law after Jesus came and died? (Colossians 2:9-14) We are no longer under obligation to obey the laws in the Old Testament, but we are commanded to obey Jesus.
By A Higher Standard
The Jewish people had long known by the words of the prophets of God’s promise to send a Savior . When Jesus did come, most of the Jewish people found it difficult to accept Him. One night, a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish Ruler, came to Jesus asking how he might be born again. Read this account in John 3:1-21.
Jesus told Nicodemus that God loved the world so much that he gave Him, His Son, to come and save it. Jesus was calling Nicodemus to live to a higher standard and to accept Him and His teaching. We don’t know if Nicodemus ever accepted His higher standard, but we do know we are offered the same invitation.
We read in Ephesians 5:1-2 what this higher standard is: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Those are powerful words to live by, “imitators of God” and “live a life of love as Christ.”
By Your Parents
Remember we talked about parents being God’s design as authority over you? Sure, sometimes it is hard to want to obey your parents. However, by following the two basic rules above you will instantly strengthen your relationship with you parents and that will help you to want to obey them. You will also please your parent in heaven.
Since your parents do have God given authority over you then it is important that you not only obey them, but honor them. So what does honor and obedience mean? Obedience means to accept what your parents say even when you do not agree. In Exodus 20:12 it means to hold them in high esteem and respect.
Study Guide - Lesson Four
Who is Watching You?
Fill in the blanks:
“Children, ________your parents in the Lord, for this is _______. _______________ YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with __________).” Ephesians 6:1
What do you think? Part of honoring your mom and dad is the way you communicate with them. How is your body language when you talk to them? What about your facial expressions? What about your tone of voice? When you speak about your parents do you show respect for them? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) how does your behavior measure up with God’s standard?___________
What does the Word say? Why should you obey your parents? Circle the right answer
(Ephesians 6:1) Because it is right So you won’t get into trouble
(Proverbs 4:10) So you will be safe So you will be not safe
Colossians 3:20 It does not please the Lord It does please the Lord
What does the Word say? Where does the idea of authority come from?
Romans 13:1-2 (circle the right answer)
man or God
What do you think? You may be thinking you would obey your parents, but they make mistakes. Your parents will make mistakes, they are also human. This does not free you from not obey God. God says to obey the authorities over you, such as your parents.
What does the Word say? Read Colossians 3:22-25. Although this text is speaking to slaves, it applies to anyone who is under authority of another. So, it applies to everyone. Talk about some consequences of wrong doing.
What do you think?
Is it harder to obey when no one is looking?
______ Why?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
2. How can you apply verse 23 to your responsibilities at home?
___ I can obey my parents the first time I am told.
___ I can clean my room without having to be asked.
___ I can obey willingly, immediately and happily.
___ I can be a team player as part of my family.
3. What about at school?
___ I can respect the authority of my teacher and principal.
___ I can do my best.
___ I can be a good example to others.
___ I can do my assignments on time and turn them in.
4. What about your service to the Lord?
___ I can read my bible every day.
___ I can pray every day.
___ I can obey my parents and honor them even when I don’t want to.
___ I can be an example to other Christians even though I am a young person.
What does the Word say? Do you have to obey your parents if they tell you to do something that is wrong? Of course not! We are to obey God rather than men even if it is our parents.
Do you have to obey your parents if they are Non-Christians?
________ Absolutely! Maybe by your example and by your loving obedience they will become Christians.
What is your experience? Most Christian homes are happy and loving homes. In some families it is easier to obey the parents than others. Not every home is ideal. Maybe there are things happening in your home that are not under your control.
What does the Word say? Philippians 4: 11-13 says: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
What do you think? Can you learn the “secret” of being content in a situation you are in? __________
What does the Word say?
1. Acknowledge every day as a gift from God and rejoice in it! Psalm 118:24
2. Live for a Higher Purpose--Matthew 10:39 says: “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”
Think about it-- Maybe your home is less than ideal because of your attitude towards obedience to your parents or your attitude to your siblings. Remember you will not live with your family forever.
What does the Word say?
Philippians 2:4, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Fill in the blanks: 1 Corinthians 10:32 “_____________________ you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Maturity
Lesson Five
Sometimes we make life’s choices more difficult than they have to be. Other times difficult choices have to be faced head on. Deciding who the “real you” is and who you will grow into can be one of the easiest choices you make. As we study this lesson truly believe that with God’s help you can be ALL that God wants you to be.
THINK ABOUT IT: You should desire to be the person God wants you to be. God in His wisdom knows what character traits and attitudes of heart are necessary to live fully and happily on earth and take you to heaven. God wonderfully created you in your mother’s womb to be unique and to live a unique life. Dare to be different! Dare to live as God wants you to!
“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14).
King David praised God for creating him with unique qualities that an be used for His purpose. King David again acknowledges in Psalm 119:73 that God actually made him by His own hand. As you read these verses what message do you get? YOU are wonderfully made by the Almighty God. BUT WAIT: keep reading verse 74; David prays for the ability to learn what God teaches. He then prays that his life and behavior will be an encouragement to others.
Now, be honest and think about who you are right now. Some words that might describe you could be son, daughter, friend, composer, artist, talker, listener, student, short, tall, young, loud, quiet, white, black; the list goes on and on. Take the time right now and write down ten things about yourself. Think about your appearance and personality .
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________
Celebrate your uniqueness as God would have you to!
Now that we have talked about you as an unique individual , exactly what does it mean to celebrate your uniqueness as God would have you to? Are you growing in grace, favor and knowledge of the Lord? Just as God created you by His own hand He calls you to follow after His son, Jesus.
Read 1 Peter 2:21-22. God gives you the perfect role model to imitate and admire.
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”
God didn’t just call you for His purpose; He calls you ON purpose-For a purpose- WITH a purpose. Then He shows you the way to fulfill that purpose. Reread John 14:6 and memorize it.
Jesus grew in stature, wisdom and grace. Obviously, you can’t stop your growth pattern or change your genetic make up, but what you can control is your spiritual growth in wisdom and grace. You control what your character is and will be. Character is who you are on the inside.
So, you already wrote down ten things about your outward self and your personality; now write down ten character traits about yourself. Some character traits you might recognize in yourself are loyal, kind, patient, gentle, angry or peacemaker. Again, the list goes on. Think about it then quickly jot down five traits about yourself.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Celebrate Your Uniqueness as God Would Have You!
Study Guide - Lesson Five
A DISTINCT LIFE
A Christian’s life should be different enough that it stands out among unbelievers or from the world. The world should wonder, “what is different about you.” They should see in you the hope you have in Jesus and the purity of your heart.
Think about it: Read Matthew 5: 14-16
Christians are described as what in this verse?
(circle the right answer)
A LIGHT A CITY A BASKET A SHIP
What does the Word say? Young people are often prejudged as being irresponsible and selfish. The apostle Paul saw promise in a young man named Timothy. It is no mystery that young people today are faced with many temptations. Notice, however, Paul doesn’t address the need to avoid temptations in this verse below, he tells Timothy to address his character- his heart. Discuss why after reading 1 Timothy 4:12-13.
Fill in the following blanks: I Timothy 4:12-13
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in ____________, ___________________, _______________, ______________________ and _______________, show yourself an ______________of those who believe.”
LIVING THE WORD- Set your goal to be like Timothy and King David and seek God’s teaching; strive to live your life as an encouragement to others. As a Christian YOU are a role model!
SPEECH
What does the word say?
Fill in the blanks: (NASB)
Ecclesiastes 5:6 What in this verse can cause us to sin? (Fill in the missing letters)
___PE___CH
Colossians 4:6 (NASB)
“Let your ___________ always be with ______, as though seasoned with )salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
What do you think? It is easy to be careless or lazy with our words in our homes. For some reason we speak to our family members worse than we speak to a stranger. Do you take your family for granted in the way you speak to them? Is this something you need to work on? (circle below)
Yes or No
How do you speak to others when you are not around your parents? Kindly or Unkindly
LIFE / CONDUCT (your youthfulness)
What does the Word say?
Christians are called to live their lives in a way that will please the Lord in every way; a holy life.
Read Ephesians 4:1-3 below:
“...walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
In the verse above underline the adjectives, or the words describing how Christians should behave.
LOVE
Read 1 John 4: 7-21. How is God described in these verses? (Fill in the missing letters)
L ___ V ___
What does the Word say? In order to have God in our lives we must abide in His love. According to verse 20 what can we not have in our hearts if God’s love abides in us? __________
What do you think?
Why is love an important factor in being a good example?
(Ephesians 4:2)____________________________.
Do you treat those closest to you with love and kindness?
____________________________________
What about those who have hurt your feelings?
______________________________________________
What about non-believers? ___________________
FAITH
What does the Word say: Read Hebrews 11:6. What does it say about faith in this verse?
_______________________________________________
We have discussed a lot about your private growth in your faith . Although your faith should be personal it can’t remain private.
What does the word say? Hebrews 11:6 and write the missing word below
“And without faith it is impossible to _____________ Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of those who seek Him.”
What do you think?
Do you feel sometimes, at your age that it is too much of a burden to live a life of a Christian? Why not or why?
_______________________________________________
What does the word say? Read 1 John 5: 3-5 How is God’s word described here?
_______________________________________________
PURITY
What does the Word say? Titus 2 tells young women and likewise, young men to be pure. 2 Corinthians 6 tells us we are to serve God in many ways. Verse 6 tells us one way we are to also serve God is in purity. Purity is living in the truth of God’s word. We can’t add any new words to the Bible or take any away.
What does the word say?
1 Corinthians 6: 18-20 According to this verse, what is your body? __________________________________________
After reading this verse you should:
(put a check by the correct answer.)
_____Eat healthily
_____Exercise
_____Drink beer
You must also make the decision to be virtuous in your thoughts, motives and aspirations as well as your actions towards others. Your decisions must be decent and acceptable to God, based on His standards. Virtuous means pure or clean.
What will be your experience?
When you go to the mall, turn on the TV or read a magazine, it doesn’t take long to realize that our culture has a low opinion of purity. In this environment how are you to value purity? That is just it - You must put a value on it! God did.
DO THIS:
Read Colossians 4: 5-6. Wherever the word yourself or your or you is replace it with the appropriate myself, my or I .
Conduct ______________________with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Let____________ speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that _______ will know how _________ should respond to each person.
Do the same with 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 on the sheet provided you.
Do this:
Pay attention to yourself!! Be good! Do good! Share! Be Generous! Make your foundation a good one for the future! Take hold of that which IS life indeed! Do all of this in LOVE!

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

Growing In Grace

Through Jesus (pg. 3)
Through the Knowledge of God’s Word (pg. 7)
Through Spiritual Disciplines (pg. 15)
Through Obedience (pg. 23)
Through Spiritual Maturity (pg. 31)

Curriculum developed by Tracy Gallman

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
(2 Peter 3:18)

West Side church of Christ
6110 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth,. TX 76114
817-738-7269
soundteaching.org
VBS June 23-27, 2008
Cover graphic by Jade Calvert
This version prepared for Shirly Duque’s class