3/16 "Learning from the Past"
Texts: Num. 35 – Deut.16 especially Deut. 6:4-18; 8:1-20; 4:10; 7:18; 8:2,18; 15:15 NT: 2 Peter 1:12-3:17
IN A NUTSHELL: We are forgetful people. It doesn’t start when we turn 50 years old and it didn’t end when mankind moved from the Old Testament (De. 8:1-20) to the New Testament (2 Pet. 1:12-13). We should not be enslaved to the past, but we should remember the lessons learned.
Ice Breaker: Describe in detail the last time you forgot something really important? (Yes, that could be a ridiculous assignment… but try it! J
CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT:
- Deut. 8: 1-20 – What were the Israelites in danger of forgetting? What might it cost them?
- 2 Peter 1:12-3:17 What, Peter’s opinion are we in danger of forgetting? What might it cost us?
- Deut. 6:4-18 – How were the Israelites to help the next generation remember the important teachings of God?
- How many times in these passages are the words like… “remember,” “be careful,” “think,” “ don’t forget,” “remind,” “be diligent,” “take care,” “pay attention,” “beware,” “do not overlook?”
REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE:
- Look at your life with your family history… Is there anything God used your parents to teach you (positive or negative) that you may have forgotten?
- Look at your life as the one responsible for passing God’s teachings on to others… Is there anything you have intentionally modeled and taught to those following you?
- What tricks do you utilize to help you remember the most important things in your life?
- Do you utilize any of those tricks with God’s word?
CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:
- Let’s think percentages: What percentage of your week (168 hours) do you typically spend trying to remember what God thinks is important?
- How might your CARE group practically help each other improve on this?
- For those that don’t join a Bible Fellowship or CARE group what percentage of time in their week can be spent “remembering the things of God?”
ONLINE RESOURCES:
NEXT WEEK:
Title “Resolve for the Future” (Central Day w/Special Offering)
Text: Deut. 17- Jos.4 Ps. 90
Questions: How many words in these sections of Scripture make you think about a resolve for the future?
Parents with your Children: This weekend is the Jewish Celebration of Purim. Take a look at how God’s provisions are remembered in the community and family. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/13/purim-2014_n_4957524.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
How might you make an upcoming celebration/weekend with your family an event to teach your kids about God’s love, provisions, and commands?