*Text:* 1 Tim 5:1-3, 19-21; 6:3, 6-12, 17-19; Titus 3:-2, 9-11, 14

*Key Verse: 1 Timothy 6:6-7*
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (NIV)

*>>Focus*
This study explores the connection between respecting others and being respected by others. Respecting others and having their respect is pleasant, but showing respect for God- and all that He values – is what will count for eternity.

As you prepare for this study, consider your own level of respect for those in your church. How do you regard your pastoral leadership? How do you esteem the Executive Leadership Team of your Teens Solution Chapter?

 

If students haven’t been giving you an appropriate level of respect, first consider what you might be doing to deserve this treatment.

 

Always remember that students often respect adults who can properly balance strength and compassion.

*>>The Basic Message:* Explain to students…

WHAT’STHE BIG IDEA?

Only respected and respectful people can be true spiritual leaders.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Being disrespectful squanders opportunities to help others spiritually.

 

HOW DO I LIVE IT?

Respect God’s people, priorities, and plans.

Activity Option: RESPECT

Explain that previous generations may have viewed respect as something due another because of position or age. But in this age, most people view respect as something that must be earned.

 

Gently remind your students that God has set the standard for all believers, young and old. Then discuss the following questions:

 

Who are some biblical personalities that you respect? What about them earned your respect?

Guide:

Explain that last week we explored how God wants Christian teens to become spiritual leaders who influence others to follow His instructions. A major key to reaching this goal is being both respectful and respected.

 

Study Overview:

Explain that today’s study considers…
•What it means to be respectful.
•Why it’s important to be respectful.
•How being respectful leads to being respected.

Inform and Discuss

*a). Respect God’s People*
Explain that respect means putting others before yourself by taking time to consider what they’re thinking, feeling, saying, doing, etc., and how your choices could affect them.

 

Many of the “people problems” we face every day can be avoided if we cultivate an ongoing attitude of respect for others.

 

1. Read or ask volunteers to read 1 Tim 5:1-3, 19-21. How do you know if you’re being respectful? [Hint: An honest look at your heart will tell you if your intentions are respectful.

 

But being aware of how your actions are perceived will help you fine-tune them so your intentions of communicating respect are actually understood..

 

2. Should you still treat a person with respect if he or she is wrong or treats you poorly? Explain. [Hint: The answer is YES!

 

Respectfully disagreeing with a rude or ignorant person demonstrates your maturity and may help them see the truth.

Guide:

Explain that it’s common for teens and adults to see things from different perspectives.

 

Such contrasting opinions and feelings can cause tremendous tension and serious rifts. While it’s appropriate to handle conflict with other teens in a fairly direct manner, disagreeing with adults and others in leadership positions requires additional tact and humility, which often wins trust and allows you share your perspective.

 

*b). Respect God’s Priorities*
Explain that God gives us instruction because He has our best interest in mind. His instructions are so straightforward that even young children can understand basic spiritual concepts.

 

1. Read or ask volunteers to read Titus 3:9-11; 1 Tim 6:3. Why is it
important to focus on the central teachings of the Bible and avoid speculation?

 

[Hint: By focusing on the main message God wants to communicate, we are more likely to stay in the centre of His plan and care.

2. What should you do if a person wants to argue about minor religious issues? [Hint: It’s best to address the issue politely but directly.

 

Tell the person that you’ll rather talk about things Christians can agree on, such as God’s love for all people and His desire to see all people saved.

 

Activity Option: BIBLE TIMES*

Distribute small slips of paper and pens or pencils, and ask students to accurately record the number of times they spent reading the Bible over the past week.

 

Collect the slips (no names), sum up the time, and divide the total time by the number of slips collected. Write the number on the board. Then discuss the following questions:

•Do you think this class’ results are higher or lower than the average for most Christians of your age? Most Christian adults?

 

Why?
•Why is it important to study the Bible daily? Hint: Studying the Word brings us closer to Him, Helps us understand His will, and improves the quality of our lives. But without a clear understanding of God’s will and how He wants us to lead, being a positive spiritual influence in our homes and schools will prove impossible.

 

*c). Respect God’s Plan*

Explain that people interested in leadership can be very impatient – with others, with themselves, even with God. However, the Lord warns us to be content where He has placed us.

 

1. Read or ask volunteers to read 1 Tim 6:6-8, 12, 18-19. Discuss with students why it is difficult for some teens to be content with what they have or where God has placed them. What situations might make it more difficult to find contentment?

*>>Guide:* Explain that if we expect to get all of our recognition and rewards in this lifetime, we’ll feel unfulfilled.

 

If, instead, we realize that earthly wealth and success cannot compare to heavenly rewards, our perspective changes and our outlook becomes healthier.

 

2. How should God’s instructions about contentment affect your career decisions? Hint: Christians should be more concerned with how their careers honour God than they are with money and prestige.
3. Read or ask a volunteer to read 1 Tim 6:9-11, 17.

 

Do you think money is the root of all evil? Why or why not? [Hint: Money itself is not the root of evil. The love of money, however, is a root of all kinds of evil.

Note

The materialistic person prioritizes his or her Own needs above God’s plans. Though this may bring momentary pleasure, it will never provide lasting fulfillment or heavenly reward.

 

*4. What should* Christians spend money on?

Hint

Believers should contribute to God’s kingdom, provide for family members, and give to those in need. After these things are taken care of, God allows us to spend money on ourselves.

 

Note:

God isn’t as concerned with the amount of money we earn as He is with how we prioritize wealth and how we spend what we make.
*>>Involve Them: RESPECTFUL= RESPECTED.

Distribute paper and pens or pencils to students. Have students define what respecting God’s people, priorities, and plans means to them.

 

Then have them list several specific, practical ways they can increase the respect they have for these issues.

 

Challenge students to begin taking these steps right away. Remind them that nothing signals commitment like immediate action.

 

 

Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 14),* explaining WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; VWHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

 

Conclude the study by verbally complimenting each student on something he or she did well during the class.

 

Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…*
1. Can students explain what it means to respect God’s people, priorities, and plans?
2. Have they evaluated their current level of respect in these areas?
3. Have they made specific, practical plans for increasing their respect in these areas?

DAILY DEW DROPS

Mon: Honour One Another – Rom 12:10; Phil 2:3
Tue: Be an Example – Titus 2:7-8
Wed: A New Commandment – John 13:34-35
Thu: Worthy of Respect – 1 Thess 5:12-13
Fri: Key to Long Life – Eph 6:1-3
Sat: Don’t Be Self-centred – 1 Cor 10:32-33.