3: Understanding Human Nature – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Is there an immortal spirit or soul? We want to look at how the Old Testament defines human nature and the condition of human beings at death.
October 15, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 1:24-27, and Genesis 2:7,19.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What are the similarities between how God created animals and humans?
Personal Application: How close and personal did God get in creating man? In what ways were mankind made in the image of God?. Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I believe Genesis is an allegory about how life came to be on earth. Man and animal are so similar, I think they evolved from common ancestors.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ezekiel 18:4,20; Matthew 10:28.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What do these verses teach us about the true nature of man and the soul?
Personal Application: How do you respond to those who believe in near death experiences and have been visited by a departed loved one? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why is it important for Jesus to literally come a second time? When we die, we go to heaven anyway. So it is not necessary for Him to return.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ecclesiastes 12:5-7.

Ask class members to share a short
Why is it not correct to say that death is just a part of life?
Personal Application: Have you ever had an experience in your family or life when this spiritual debate has been an issue? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “See, this verse says the body dies and the spirit returns to God who gave it. This says that we have two parts: the body and the spirit. So when we die, our spirit goes to heaven.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Job 3:11-13, and Psalm 146:4..

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What do these texts tell us about what happens at death?
Personal Application: Is it better to be asleep and waiting for Jesus to return, or to be living through all this evil and misery and suffering until Jesus comes? 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!