5: Excuses to Avoid Mission – Teaching Plan

Key Thought : We may find it easier to make excuses for not participating in mission. Our motivation for these excuses could be one of many. The question is, how will you choose to answer God’s call?
November 4, 2023

A. Have a volunteer read Jonah 1:1-12.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What were some of the reasons Jonah didn’t want to go to Ninevah?
Personal Application: Have you ever felt like God wanted you to do or say the right thing, but you didn’t? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I’d love to help the church, give a Bible study, or participate in a mission project, but I am just too busy to be involved. I just don’t have enough time.” How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read Jonah 3.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How did the people respond to what Jonah had preached?
Personal Application: What sacrifice is God asking you to make, or be ready to make, for the sake of sharing Him with someone else? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What caused Ninevah to repent and believe God through His messenger?. Did the Holy Spirit work on their minds and hearts to change them? But didn’t God already know that they would later backslide and turn away and become so wicked He eventually destroyed them? So why did He delay His judgment here?” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read Jonah 4:1-4.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What was wrong with Jonah’s attitude and thoughts here?
Personal Application: What will we do about God’s concern for the wicked, the bullies, for the unreached, across the globe? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Well, God is a merciful and loving God. He doesn’t want to punish people. He loves us. So we should love all people, no matter what they do or who they worship or how they worship.” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 6:1-8.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What made the difference in Isaiah’s willingness to serve the Lord ?
Personal Application: Do we tend to willingly go when and where God calls us, or do we run in the opposite direction or do we just ignore the call?. 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).