10: Meekness in the Crucible – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: If we possess the humbleness or meekness of Jesus’ example, we can rise above the slights, rebuffs, and annoyances that we face daily. Loveliness of heart is a strength to give us victory.
September 3, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:1-14.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What role do we find Moses playing here?
Personal Application: What do you do when someone annoys and disrespects you? Do you seek mercy and grace for them, or something else? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why did Moses ask God not to destroy Israel? Hadn’t they been rebellious against God and against Moses? What reasons did Moses give for not destroying them?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 5:43-48.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does God giving the rain to the just and unjust tell us about God’s grace to the wicked?
Personal Application: How can we have meekness and patience with those that give us trouble? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “How am I supposed to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me? That’s not normal, nor is it sensible. You have to protect yourself against those who are trying to destroy you. David even prayed for God to destroy his enemies in the Psalms.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read 1 Peter 2:18-23.

Ask class members to share a short thought on the importance of this text.
What principles of humility and meekness can we learn from Jesus as expressed by Paul?
Personal Application: Why does the Bible reject insolence, rebellion, and rioting even against abusive masters or bosses? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “As an employee in a company, I don’t think my bosses treat me or the other workers very well. I am tempted to tell them off, or sabotage the work we are doing. Maybe that would get their attention.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Psalm 62:3-8.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
When in trouble or difficulties, how often do you turn to prayer for God’s guidance and direction first before complaining, worrying, or trying to deal with them?
Personal Application: How many two-faced people have you had to deal with in your life – where they bless outwardly, but curse and backstab inwardly? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!