UNIT 2—GODLY LOVE AMONG BELIEVERS
Unit II, “Godly Love among Believers,” contains five sessions. John elaborates on how believers love by serving and portrays Jesus’ explanation of the intertwining love of God for Jesus and for those who abide in Christ. First John clarifies the abiding love of God through the Holy Spirit, which makes it possible for us to love one another. Acts reveals the expression of the love of God in the formation of the early Christian community by the workings of the Holy Spirit. James tells of the love of neighbor as the fulfillment of the law of God.
UNIT 3—THE BEGINNING OF A CALL
The lessons in Unit III, “The Beginning of a Call,” has four sessions from the Gospel of Matthew. Session one highlights the heritage of Jesus. Session two tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Session three speaks of the witness of the Magi to Jesus’ call as the Messiah. Session four tells of the call of John the Baptist.
SEEKING GOD’S GUIDANCE
Suggested Opening Exercises
1. Usual Signal for Beginning
2. Prayer (Closing with the Lord’s Prayer)
3. Singing (Songs to be Selected)
4. Scripture Reading
Psalm 100 (KJV)
Director Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
School Serve the LORD with gladness come before his presence with singing.
Director Know ye that the LORD he is God it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
School Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
All For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Recitation in Concert: James 3:3–8 (KJV)
3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Closing Work
1. Singing
2. Opening Sentences Isaiah 9:6–10 (KJV)
6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
8The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
9And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
10The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
3. Dismissal with Prayer
Lesson 1 for Week of October 4, 2020
LOVE SEEKS JUSTICE
Background Passage 1 Samuel 19:1–7; 23:1–18; 2 Samuel 9
Lesson Passage 1 Samuel 19:1–7
UNIFYING TOPIC:
Love and Devotion to Others
LESSON SECTIONS
I. Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 19:1–3)
II. Jonathan goes to Saul (1 Samuel 19:4–7)
KEY VERSE
So Jonathan called David and related all these things to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. (1 Samuel 19:7, NRSV)
BIBLICAL EMPHASES
1. Saul’s son Jonathan was very close to David and advocated on David’s behalf.
2. Jonathan intervened and asked Saul not to kill his servant David.
3. Saul agreed to spare David’s life, but Saul’s jealousy soon got the best of him again.
UNIFYING PRINCIPLE
Although families are important, family dysfunction can skew our priorities and lead us to ruin. Is there a greater priority than family? Jonathan opposed the unjust intentions of his father, King Saul, in order to offer support and protection to David.
LESSON EMPHASES
•To help youth understand the importance of advocating for others even if it conflicts with family.
•To help youth stand up for justice.
Consider Your Students
SEEKERS FOR JESUS Youth understand that family members are not always right.