4: Seeing the Goldsmith’s Face – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: God is seeking to purify us, to refine us like gold, and to transform us into His image.. But a Christian character is developed only as we pass through life’s trials.
July 23, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Job 23:1-10.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What is the essence of Job’s struggle? What doesn’t he see? Why does he take on faith despite his trials?
Personal Application: Could you be purified or refined without going through suffering? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How can God restore His image in us? Is that speaking of His character? I’ve seen many people who seem to have great characters, but they are not Christian. I’ve seen very few Christians with stellar characters. So how is God supposed to restore His image in us?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 25:31-46.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What criteria is used for separating the sheep and the goats?
Personal Application: What kind of person are you in stress, or when no-one’s looking? What does the answer tell you about the change you need to make? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What does the oil symbolize – the Holy Spirit or character? What does this story imply if it is the Holy Spirit? What if it is character?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Daniel 12:1-10.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What can we tell in these verses about the character of God’s people during these times?
c. Personal Application: What do the wise understand that the wicked don’t? What kind of wisdom is implied here? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “Since Jesus’ righteousness and His perfect life saves us, then why do we need to develop character?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:11-16.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What point is Paul making here? What role does he give for community?
Personal Application: What is the difference in a community revealing the fullness of Christ, and an individual revealing the fullness of Christ? 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!