HOW CHRISTIANS DEMONSTRATES MERCY

Memory Verse: James 2:8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well, (KJV).

Central Truth
Christians can stand firm and grow spiritually during trials.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Recognise the dangers of showing favouritism.
2. Explain why treating others unfairly is a violation of God’s commands.
3. Consider ways they can demonstrate their faith through works.

The Lesson Outline
1. By Not Showing Favouritism*
A. Respect Everyone Equally -*James 2:1-4*
B. Keep a Proper Perspective -James 2:5-7*

2. By Fulfilling the Royal Law
A. Favouritism Violates God’s Laws James 2:8-11
B. The Time for Judgement Is Coming – James 2:12, 13

3. By Doing Good Works
A. Living Faith Involves Action – James 2:14-20
B. Ensure Your Faith is Living – James 2:26

Introducing the Lesson
Question: What do these three items have in common: a car, a bicycle, and a lawnmower?_
Among the many possible answers to this question, we can be sure one would be: All perform a valuable function, but only when they are moving otherwise, they just clutter our garages.

In a similar way, God expects us to put our Christianity into action. True faith is seen in more than just what we believe or even in what we say. It involves expressing God’s love and mercy in our relationships with others. Today’s lesson examines ways Christians can put their faith into practice every day by demonstrating God’s mercy to others.

The Holy Scriptures

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment
3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judgess of evil thoughts?
5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6. But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7. Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
14. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body: what doth it profit?

*Commentary and Application*
*1. By Not Showing Favouritism*
*A. Respect Everyone Equally–James 2:1-4*
Chapter 2 of James begins with an explicit call to fellow Christians not to show favouritism. The construction of his statement in verse 1. indicates that this was already a problem and needed to stop. Such a practice is inconsistent with what it means to be a Christian.
James illustrated the problem of showing favouritism with a
hypothetical situation involving a wealthy dignitary and a poor man entering a church meeting (verses 2-4). The rich man is quickly and politely escorted to a seat in a place of honour. Meanwhile, the poor man is directed to stand in an out-of-the- way place or squat on the floor. It is clear that discrimination is taking place based on worldly values and motives. The lack of respect for the poor man-contrasted with the preferential treatment of the rich dignitary—is evil.

Question for Application

*Why do you think Christians might be tempted to favour rich, successful people and disrespect the poor?*

We may hope that our association with such rich people will benefit us in some way. Conversely, poor people hold little chance of bringing us tangible benefits, either as individuals or as a church.

*Questions for Application*
*What other classes or kinds of people might Christians be tempted to favour or disregard?*

B. Keep a Proper

Perspective–James 2:5-7

James pointed out that, among other reasons, favouritism is flawed because we tend to favour people who aren’t necessarily godly or worthy of our preferential treatment. He highlighted the folly of favouring the rich by noting that the Early Church was made up mainly of the poor (James 2:5; see also 1Corinthians 1:26-29). James’ point is that Christians are rich in faith. God’s promises are greater than anything worldly riches can provide.
At the same time it’s important not to misunderstand James. He wasn’t saying that poverty has some inherent spiritual value or that rich people can’t serve God. We must keep a proper perspective by valuing spiritual things. Riches and other temporal things hold no value in eternity.
The flawed values of many in James’ audience caused them to insult the poor. Three rhetorical questions in verses 6 and 7 brought this point home. The poor in the churches had been exploited and oppressed by the rich. They had used their power in the legal system to harass poor believers. Perhaps worst of all, the impoverished Christians had heard the rich slander the very name of the Lord they worshipped. Yet some believers favoured such men at the expense of their spiritual brothers and sisters.

*Question for Application*
*What can we do to guard against showing favouritism?*

We must examine our hearts and motives. Do we look at people in terms of what we think they can do for us or as God sees them? We need to keep a proper prospective when we interact with others.

2. By Fulfilling the Royal Law
A. Favouritism Violates God’s Laws–James 2:8-11

Question for Application
What, then, should be the principle that guides how we interact with others?

The rich, like the poor, need God’s mercy, forgiveness, and
salvation. Thus, we should love them no matter how they live, what they do, or even what values they hold. This love must be sincere and godly, not based on what they can do for us.

Such love is seen in the command in James 2:8. Love for our neighbours is seen as the royal law because it is God’s supreme command for all human relationships. Everything God commands us to do to, for, and with other people is governed by this principle. We must extend His love equally to all rich or poor, good or bad, attractive or repulsive.

James used this foundation to make a startling proclamation:
Favouritism for one person over another puts us in the same category as lawbreakers, like murderers and adulterers (verses 9-11). Violating God’s commands leaves us guilty in His eyes. Whether we’ve acted immorally or acted with prejudice, we’re in violation of His will. Such a pronouncement serves to make a seemingly minor act of favouritism anything but small.
Yet there’s a way to avoid breaking God’s laws: Love your neighbour as yourself (verse 8). That neighbour isn’t just the person next door or on the other end of the pew. The term “neighbour” applies to all those we come in contact with. All people equally deserve to see God’s love shown through us.

*Question for Application*
*How would you respond to someone who says, can’t reach out and show God’s love to everyone. That’s why I focus my time, attention, and resources on certain people-namely, the ones with whom | have the most in common’?*

It is true that we cannot be everything to everyone. Yet we must keep in mind that God sees our motives as well as our actions. We must resist the temptation to avoid showing His love to those who are the different from us. Sometimes that love is demonstrated in simple ways, through tone of voice, attitude, and simple respect. Loving our neighbours is the right thing to do.

B. The Time for Judgement Is Coming–James 2:12,13

*Question for Application*
*What do you think it means to say that we will be judged by the law of liberty’ (James 2:12, KJV)?*

There are two principles to keep in mind in answering this question.
First, like all sins, prejudice and partiality will lead to God’s judgement. Therefore, we must avoid them at all costs.
Second, all Christians will face a time when the quality of their works will be evaluated (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Yet, God is merciful. Believers need not fear His judgement as long as they are following His ways.

They are to be quick to act with mercy and love toward those around them.
Because our actions and attitudes will be judged, we must respond with appropriate words and actions. We’re surrounded by people who need God’s mercy. Some are rich and influential, but others are poor, oppressed, and easily overlooked. God calls us to show mercy, love, and respect to all. We can do so with the promise that in the end well receive God’s mercy when we stand before Him.

Question for Application

Why can it be a struggle to keep the reality of future judgement in mind when deciding how to treat those around us?*

We can’t see the spiritual realm, so it can be easy to lose sight of spiritual realities. There are usually no immediate consequences when we pretend not to notice that not-so-appealing visitor at church or ignore an opportunity to help the needy in our neighbourhoods. But when we maintain an eternal perspective, God will help us show His mercy–as much as we are able in every part of our lives.

*3. By Doing Good Works*
*A. Living Faith Involves Action–James 2:14-20*
*Question for Application*
*What part do good works play in our salvation?*

To answer this question, we need to see salvation as more than a moment in time when we repent and believe. Salvation includes the new life we enjoy in Christ as we move toward eternity.
With this perspective of salvation in view, we must remember that we’re not saved by good works (Ephesians 2:8,9). At the same time, our actions must reflect the new Iife we have received through Christ. This is evident in our good works (Philippians 2:12,13). James stated this in no uncertain terms, posing a rhetorical question in James 2:14 which declares that faith without appropriate actions can’t save us.

This may sound overly strong until we read his vivid illustration in verses 15 and 16. This person is desperate, yet is brushed aside by the believer with a glib I wish you well.” It’s hard to imagine a more heartless scene.

Such a lack of mercy betrays the absence of true love. God’s love compels us to right action. Anything less is empty words.
James then issued a challenge: “Show me thy faith without, thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works” (verse 18, KJV). Faith can’t exist apart from action. Mere mental assent isn’t true faith; even demons believe in God (verse 19). Godly faith goes much deeper, expressing itself in a changed life. Faith motivates us to reach out to the needy. It demands that we love the unlovely. It calls us to respect the poor as well as the rich. Genuine, saving faith is followed by action.

In verse 20, James recognised that some people would demand proof that faith without works is dead.

Question for Application
What are some biblical examples of people of faith putting their faith into action?

In verses 21-25, James cited Abraham and Rahab as examples of faith and works in action. Scores of other examples could also be given.
Often, great men and women of faith suffered terribly because they put that faith into action. (See Hebrews 11.) They did so willingly-and so should we. Our beliefs involve much more than our words. They call us to a lifestyle of obedience to the God we have placed our trust in.

B. Ensure Your Faith Is Living–James 2:26

James’ propensity to use vivid llustrations in making his point continued in James 2:26. The body without the spirit is dead and useless. The term “spirit” carries with it the sense of “soul” or “breath” and refers to the essence of life. When the spirit is gone, life is gone In the same way faith without the deeds is void of life, essence, and usefulness. Genuine, living faith will be accompanied by action. The two are inseparable.

Question for Application
What does it mean to act on your faith?

It’s important to see the “bigger
picture” when it comes to acting on our faith. Words, actions, attitudes, habits, and priorities all can be involved. Obviously, acting on our faith includes sharing the love and salvation of Christ with a hurting, needy person. But we also act on our faith when we pray consistently for a lost loved one. Or we might take steps to remove a sinful habit.
James 2 challenges us to examine our hearts and our actions. Are we harbouring ungodly thoughts or preferences? We act on our faith when we repent and ask God to help us change. Do we see a person, place, or situation in need of God’s mercy? Our faith takes action when we do our part to reach out with that mercy.
The one thing we must do is to make sure our faith is not a dead faith. Living faith is active faith. How we put it into action will depend on the needs we face and how God enables us. We must find ways to express our faith in our everyday living. This is particularly true in how we relate to others.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

It’s human nature to be drawn to some people while tending to ignore others. Usually, our intentions are good. We might be so fixated on reaching a coworker we’ve witnessed for the last year that we ignore the single mom in the next cubicle who is hurting and could use encouragement or a helping hand.
God has called us to put His love into action toward all people-the
ones we like being around as well as those we don’t. Take time to explore your own life this week. Do you tend to shun a particular individual or group of people? Make a point to treat everyone with a kind word and a loving attitude.

Ministry in Action

In John 13:35, Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another. Identify a specific, practical need in the life of someone you know that might: otherwise be overlooked. Then do what you can to help meet that need.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:_

1. Consider the vanity of the world’s view of greatness.

2. Recognise the benefits of practising humility and peace.

3. Choose to follow Christ’s model of servanthood.

The Lesson Outline

*1. Reject Vanity and Sectarian Pride*
A. It’s about Giving, Not Getting
*Mark 9:33-37*
B. Avoid an “Us Versus Them” Mentality
*Mark 9:38-40*

*2. Commit to Humility and Peace*
A. Reward and Judgement
*Mark 9:41, 42*
B. Purification and Peace
*Mark 9:43-50*

3. Achieve Greatness Through Service

A. Self-Seeking Request
Mark 10:35-40

B. Selfless Service Required
*Mark 10:41-45*
_______________
*Introducing the Lesson*
_______________
Greatness is often defined by excellence and success, which are usually accompanied by fame and fortune. But as is often the case, God has a different perspective on things. Today’s lesson focuses on what Jesus taught is true greatness.
_______________
*The Holy Scriptures*

Mark 9:35- “` And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

36. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

37. Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

38. And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him because he followeth not us.

39. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40. For he that is not against us is on our part.

43. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off. thee should enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell, into
the fire that never shall be quenched:

45. And if thy foot offends thee, cut it off: thee should enter halt into life than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

47. And if thine eye offends thee, pluck it out: thee should enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

10:35 – And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

37. They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

42. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles
exercise lordship over them;and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:“`
_______________
*1. Reject Vanity and Sectarian Pride*
A. It’s About Giving, Not Getting
*Mark 9:33-37*

People have been seeking fame and prominence since time began; it is not just a contemporary issue.
Those with some form of power or influence often enjoy popularity among the people in any society.
It was that way in the time of Jesus. He and His disciples had entered a house and He asked them what they had been debating about as they travelled. Their argument had been about which of them would be the greatest. Obviously, they did not wish to tell Jesus what they had been discussing (Mark 9:33,34).

Although they remained silent, Jesus knew what had taken place on the road. As teachers often did at that time, He sat down and gathered His disciples around Him to teach a lesson (verse 35). The mark of true greatness is not to be found in the domineering attitude that often characterises worldly leaders. This arrogant leadership pattern does not have a place in the kingdom of God.
Those who desire true greatness must adopt an attitude of service. Ministering to the needs of others must become of greater concern than self-promotion.

To illustrate what He was saying, Jesus had a child stand among the
disciples (verse 36). Then He embraced the child and let the disciples know that greatness comes by caring about people especially those who tend to be thought of as insignificant. How can a child advance someone’s career? Why waste time and energy
on someone who can’t help you get ahead? Yet Jesus said that those who would welcome a child in His name are welcoming Jesus and His Father. And God can exalt those who humble themselves.

Question for Application

_What can be done to ensure that believers practise humility and servanthood?_

We must reject self-promoting
actions and attitudes and put the welfare of others first. We must embrace Jesus’ teaching that it’s
about giving, not getting.
_______________
B. Avoid an “Us Versus
Them” Mentality
*Mark 9:38-40*

It seems as though John
interrupted Jesus to report that the disciples had seen a man driving out demons in Jesus’ name. They “forbade him,” because he was not
one of the Twelve (Mark 9:38, KJV).
_______________
*Question for Application*
_______________
_Why do Christians sometimes fall prey to sectarian pride?_

God often blesses Christians in a way suited to their own needs, personality, and background. Forgetting that God loves variety, they take their own experience and
make it a pattern for others. They make their own ways of doing things authoritative. They then feel that their authority has been spurned and their religion insulted when Someone serves the Lord and exalts the name of Jesus without joining with them in all particulars. They forget that the kingdom of God is bigger than any one church or denomination.

Jesus used John’s s confession to teach about the unity He desires in
the kingdom of God. The man had used Jesus’ name to bring deliverance, and God had honoured
the man’s prayer with a miracle (verses 39,40). It would be hard for
someone who ministered in Christ’s name to speak against Him. Jesus’ view of who could participate in the mission of the Kingdom was bigger than that of the Twelve.

The desire to be part of an elite, Superior group was not what Jesus was trying to shape in the lives of His disciples. Arrogance has no place in God’s kingdom. Those who follow Christ must work together in the name of Christ for His greater glory.
An “us versus them” mentality within the body of Christ hinders the advance of God’s kingdom.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3, KJV) strengthens the Church and can result in the world’s observing the love of God in people (John 17:23).
_______________
*2. Commit to Humility and Peace*
A. Reward and Judgement
*Mark 9:41,42*
Jesus continued to teach the
disciples, stating that if a person gave just a cup of water-a small gesture in His name to one of His followers, that person would be rewarded (Mark 9:41). There is an intimate connection between Jesus and His disciples, so much so that what is done for them is the same as doing it for Him (see verse 37).

And just as there is a reward for those who do good to one of His disciples, so there is punishment to those who harm one of them (verse 42). The phrase “little ones that believe in me” (KJV) is best understood to refer to followers of Jesus, not just children. For any who would cause a person who believes in Jesus to sin, it would be better for that person to be thrown in the sea with the heavy millstone used for crushing grain around his or her neck.

Jesus was commending
humility to His disciples. They were not to look down on the smallest act
of kindness nor hinder others who act in His name, that is, by His authority.
_______________
B. Purifícation and Peace
*Mark 9:43-50*
At this point in His teaching,
Jesus moved from the danger of causing others to sin to the danger of allowing oneself to fall into sin. In Mark 9:43-48, He mentioned three parts of the body that lead us into sin: the hand, the foot, and the eye.

The hands can be thought of as the wrong things that ambitions drive us to do. The foot could be understood as the wrong things that pride will lead you to do. And the eye could be regarded as covetousness, our desire for things in this world.

Jesus stated that each of these things that lead to sin have a single solution: remove the member that causes you to sin. This seems like a very drastic measure, but Jesus told His hearers that it would be better to be maimed by cutting off a hand or a foot, or to remove an eye than “to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched” (verses 43,45, KJV).
_______________
*Questions for Application*
_______________
_Was Jesus stating that we should literally maim ourselves in order to avoid sinning?_

Absolutely not! Jesus was using hyperbole -the use of exaggerated examples–to draw attention to the very serious issue of sin. Sin is destructive and a life of sin leads to eternal death and hell. Jesus used this radical language to stress the importance of doing whatever is necessary to enter into life-particularly eternal life.

Our attitude toward sin must not be casual. As we seek to know and please God, He will enable us to overcome sin.

Jesus spoke of there being
times in all our lives when there would come a testing, a salting with fire for purification (verse 49). Just as we must take steps to cut out sin from our lives so we can be totally devoted to God, the fire of trials and persecution can cause us to rid ourselves of any desires other than living in total surrender to God’s will.

Jesus’ desire is for His followers to be like good salt (verse 50). Salt was used in ancient times much as it is today to flavour and to preserve food. If the salt lost its saltiness it would become useless, no longer good for purification or flavouring. In the same way, if we lose our self-sacrificing devotion to Christ, we become useless to Him.

We are to be influenced by the Holy Spirit to preserve peace with one another through His divine
grace.
_______________
*Questions for Application*
_How can believers have peace one with another (Mark 9:50, KJV)?_

Humility and the desire for
peace are essential for healthy relationships. As we humble ourselves before God and others, the Spirit brings about a sense of unity that cannot exist when selfish pride is present. Those who desire peace are willing to work through disagreements in order to secure better relationship. They are willing to forgive, and forgiveness is vital for peace and unity.
_______________
*3. Achieve Greatness Through Service*
A. Self-Seeking Request
*Mark 10:35-40*

Later on during the ministry of Jesus, He and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem (Mark
10:32-34). At this time, Jesus again told the disciples that He would be
killed, but then raised to life. From the incident that follows Jesus’ declaration, it is obvious that the apostles did not understand what Jesus had said.

James and John asked Jesus if one of them could sit on His right side and one on the left when He become the ruler in His glory (verses
35-37). These were places of authority they desired in their self-seeking request.

Jesus questioned their desire, asking if they could drink the cup He would have to drink and be baptised
in the same way as He. Jesus’ path to glory war through ultimate
servanthood. He would achieve greatness throgh humil:ation, suffering, and willing solf-sacrifice.
Did James and John want to
accompany Him through this (verse 38)? In their hearts they believed they could, for most likely James
and John still believed the Messiah would rise up in God’s power and overthrow Israel’s oppressors
(verse 39).

Jesus knew that His cup held horrible suffering, something they could not yet grasp, but that they
would suffer for Him as well (verse 39). Yet Jesus told them that only the Father could grant the positions of
authority they requested (verse 40).

Question for Application

How can we determine if our requests and desires are self-seeking?_

B. Selfless Service Required

Mark 10:41-45

The other disciples heard about the request of James and John and became upset with them (Mark 10:41). Using this uncomfortable
time as a teachable moment, Jesus gathered His disciples together to share with them about leadership and greatness from God’s point of view (verse 42). The disciples were aware of how Gentile rulers lorded it over their subjects. Too often rulers
misuse authority to advance themselves, not benefit those under their authority.

Jesus strongly opposed this
type of leadership as inappropriate in His kingdom. Rather, those who
wish to be great are those who serve and who humbly fulfil their calling.

Those wanting to be first and primary in leadership must submit themselves to be slaves (verses 43,44). Greatness involves service
to others. Serving others can break down barriers caused by wealth and position.

Being a servant is so contrary to our society as to be considered nearly absurd, but this is God’s world and sin has turned it upside down for a time. Jesus is our example of true
greatness, for He came from heaven’s glory as a servant, to serve humanity by giving His life as a ransom for us all (verse 45). A ransom is the payment to free another from prison or slavery.
Jesus Was our ransom to free us from slavery to sin.
_______________
*Question for Application*
_How can we live out the servant leadership style of Jesus in a world so contrary to His views?_

We can do this only by
practising the qualities of
servanthood Jesus displayed: humility, meekness, obedience,
self-denial, selflessness, and service. We must not focus on what we may lose, but on how we may benefit others. By acting out of genuine love to meet genuine needs
of any neighbour we can live out the servant-leadership model of Jesus.

Achieving greatness in God’s kingdom is summarized in the word
“servant.” Will we trust God to exalt us if we will humble ourselves? Will we follow the example of our Master
and Savior who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many” (verse 45, KJV).
_______________
*Call to Discipleship*
_______________
Take time this week to think about what you consider to be of value in Vour life. Who have you esteemed as great over this past year? What have you valued most in yourself? Can these things you have valued compare to Christ’s view of greatness?

Determine to become, through humility and service, the one God will honour. Make a list of characteristics a person like that might have; then make the effort to become that kind of servant. What might you need to change at home or in the office? How can you make those changes?

It is not easy to live a life of humility in a world so opposed to God’s way,
but the Spirit of God will be your strength and reward.

Study 1 READY FOR TOUGH TIMES

TEXT: 41 Thess 2:2,14-16; 3:1-7; 2 Thess 1:3-5; 3:1-2

Key Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (NIV)

Focus:  while many adult Christians have experienced resistance to their faith, the immaturity of youth tends to intensify the cruelty that many Christian teens can experience. As you prepare for this study, try to remember (or imagine) what it’s like to be a Christian teen in a hostile environment. If you weren’t a Christian as a teen, consider how you felt toward Christians, and what you thought you understood about them.

It’s quite possible that at some point your students have already wondered if it’s worth being different when they could be accepted by simply coming to a compromise of their beliefs. This temptation will become more prevalent as resistance to Christianity intensifies in the days ahead. While it’s difficult to understand or explain all the reasons for Christian suffering, history proves that believers’ attitudes and actions in the face of persecution caused many others to believe. Encourage your students to remember that their reaction to trouble might help others accept God’s truth for their lives. Be prepared to address the reality that many who compromise their faith seem to prosper. Although there are temporary benefits to compromise, the eventual outcome can be eternally devastating.

>>The Basic Message
•WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life and, if handled right, can help us develop spiritual strength.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
If we don’t handle persecution correctly, t could leave us bitter and spiritually defeated.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Recognize suffering as an opportunity to grow, draw encouragement from Jesus’ example through suffering, and pray for those who suffer for their faith.

>>Illustration Option: SUFFERING FOR JESUS
Relate the story of John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, who was imprisoned twelve years for preaching the gospel. He had a wife and children, one of whom was blind. At any time during his stay in prison, he could have gone free if he promised not to preach the gospel. But John Bunyan believed that his faithfulness to God was more important than anything in this life, and to compromise it would deny all he held true, including his life and family. Over those twelve long years, Bunyan’s family lived in poverty beyond description, and Bunyan was haunted by the consequences of his decision to remain faithful to God. Yet, during his imprisonment, he wrote works that have since been read by millions — enriching their lives at the expense of his own. Discuss with students the following questions:
• What do you think causes a person to make the kind of decision Bunyan made?
• What is the toughest thing that you have gone through as a result of your Christian faith?
• Why do you think God allows people who love Him and faithfully serve Him to suffer? >>Guide: Explain that most Christians will face times of sufferings for their faith, it is important to understand why this happens and how we can be victorious through suffering, realizing that the results of suffering can be beneficial.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers:
• The reason Christians experience trouble.
• The proper attitude Christians should have in times of trouble.
• How persecution can have positive results in the lives of believers and others who are influenced by Christian suffering.

>>Inform and Discuss
a). The Reason for Trouble >>Guide: Read or have volunteers read 1 Thess 3:1-7. Explain that suffering should not surprise us as Christians. It is part of our calling as we live in a world that opposes us by nature.

1. Why do you think there is such opposition to the principles of Scripture by those in the world? [Hint: God’s principles contradict people’s lifestyles and choice. People don’t like to feel restrained in this way. While the gospel demands that we deny ourselves and love others as we love ourselves, the world’s standards tend to regard self-satisfaction and personal fulfilment as top priorities. Thus, the principles of the gospel! Put a roadblock in the path of finding satisfaction according to the world’s standards. As such, there’s bound to be tense conflict.) .

2. What role do you think unseen spiritual forces play in the suffering Christians experience?
Hint: Although other people’s attitudes, words, and actions might inflict suffering in the lives of Christians, Paul recognized that persecution against Christians is spiritual and an attack of Satan.

3. What does the fact that the apostle Paul suffered tell us when we suffer for Christ now?

>>Hint: it doesn’t matter how spiritual we become, we are not exempt from spiritual attacks.

b). Our Attitude During Trouble

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read 1 Thess 2:14-16. How can this passage encourage us when we face persecution? [Hint: We would not be facing persecution if we weren’t making a spiritual impact in our world. Besides, we are not the first to be persecuted for our faith. Jesus suffered persecution, and those who present the salvation messages will meet with persecution.]

2. Read or ask a volunteer to read 2 Thess 1:3-5. Why do you think our faith can grow as a result of persecution? [Hint: One of the reasons for which Satan orchestrates persecution is to bring us to a point where our conviction is compromised and rubbished. His ultimate aim is to hinder God’s work. But when we stay faithful to God in the face of persecution, we show that our faith is genuine. And as we respond to persecution by drawing closer to Jesus, we’re strengthened, and our faith increases as we see Jesus come through for us in such difficult times.

3. Paul commended the Thessalonians for “enduring” persecutions and trials (2 Thess 1:4). What attitude do you feel is represented by the word “enduring”? How does this reflect the way you face persecution in your life? (Guide: Explain that the English word “endure” comes from a Greek word that is proactive rather than defensive. In essence, it refers to pushing against or pressing on rather than retreating or just holding on. So, while the term forces us to acknowledge that something is coming against us, we choose to stand firm and move forward despite the pressure. It is a call to action.]

>>Note: We do not have to enjoy persecution, but it glorifies God when we defy the world’s standards, and face opposition to our faith with a correct attitude. If we will view our persecution as an extension of the persecution Jesus faced, and realize that we are making a spiritual difference in the lives of people, we would be able to put up with the difficulties it causes in our lives.

c). The Result of Trouble

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read 1 Thess 2:2. Why do you think people become bolder in sharing their faith after they have faced persecution for their faith? [Hint: When faith costs something, its value increases, and it’s embraced more firmly. That’s why individuals who successfully faced persecution for their faith will develop the boldness to share the gospel with others.]

2. Do you think that John Bunyan (from the opening illustration option) would have been as successful for the cause of Christ if he had not been imprisoned for his faith? Why? [Hint: We really don’t know the answer to this, but much of what we read of him was written while in prison. The passion that kept him in prison likely made its way Into the words he wrote.]

3. Read or ask a volunteer to read 2 Thess 3:1-2. In what ways do you identify with other Christians who suffer for their faith, and how do you respond to their situation? (Guide: Answers will vary. Perhaps fellow students at school have been made fun of, and your students have either prayed for them or stood by them. Explain that Paul could call on the Thessalonian brethren to pray for him and his team because they had faced persecution. As such, they could pray for others who are facing persecution, knowing what the power of prayer could do at such a difficult time.)

>>Involve Them: TROUBLING TIMES

Have students respond to the following questions in the light of what they have learned in this study: i. You are a missionary in a foreign country and the people there do not want to hear your message. ii. You are in school and confronted by a popular student concerning your opposition to immoral living. iii. You are with other Christian friends when someone comes up, spits on you, and calls you a “super-Christian.” iv. You see a fellow Christian from another church being mocked for his or her faith. v. You hear of people being persecuted or killed for their faith in another part of the world.

Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 73), even as you explain WHAT the Big idea behind the study is; WHY it Matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

Guide: Explain that Christians have always been persecuted for their faith. Unbelievers are often offended by the way we live and what we proclaim because it causes conviction in their lives. The persecution we face actually confirms that we are living in right relationship with God.

Conclude the study by challenging students to live faithfully for God regardless of the cost. Remind them that serving God is always worth it in the scope of eternity; and that although persecution is painful, it is only temporary. Then pray for them, and encourage them to equally pray for one another throughout the week.

>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Do students realize that being persecuted for their belief is a normal consequence of being a true Christian?

2. Are they prepared to look at the potentials available through persecution, rather than focusing on the pains?

3. Have they embraced the importance of offering support to others who face persecution for their faith?

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

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