13: A Community of Servants – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, we should look to the church as an organized community of believers. By working in a community of faith, we can bless those around us.

1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 2:11,12..

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does Peter say about the witnessing power of good works?
Personal Application: When we do good things for others, are we making sure that it is tied in with presenting the good news to others of salvation? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “There are many people, groups, and organizations set up to relieve need here and in the world. What unique resources and abilities can the SDA Church bring to this effort?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:19.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What does Paul mean when he calls the church community the “household” of God?
Personal Application: Have you experienced a time when you felt encouraged and supported by your church community? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does your church even exist? What is its purpose and function? Is your church living up to its role of existence?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 10:23-25.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
How do we provoke one another unto love and good works?
Personal Application: When was the last time you ever counseled someone in the church about their actions or behavior? Is that something you choose not to do, or hasn’t there been a need? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why is it important to go to church? Can’t we worship God out in nature on a camping trip or sitting home watching 3ABN? And why do we have to warn each other in church? Isn’t that being judgmental and Pharisitical?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Exodus 32:11-14.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does this tell us about how we should deal with the erring around us? Should we plead for the sinners in our midst?
Personal Application: Who do you pray for every week? Do you pray for fellow church members? Church leaders? For someone to help? For someone to witness to? What is our purpose? 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!