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10/19/08: Lessons From The Interpreter
The audio for this class is now available: 12:13 Message (10/19/08)
Thanks for your patience!
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After saying farewell to Goodwill at the gate, Christian traveled to the Interpreter’s house, where he was shown many profitable things. Though I didn’t have time to read the entire chapter or describe each of the scenes he was shown, I talked about the following five:
Picture On The Wall. The Interpreter showed Christian a picture of a man with his eyes toward heaven, the Bible in his hands, the world at his back, and a crown of gold on his head. Interpreter explained that this man (a pastor) is the only one authorized by the King to guide Christians along the path of life. I urged the class to treasure the counsel of their pastor more than the worldly advice they will get from college professors, athletes, and Hollywood celebrities.
A Room Full Of Dust. Christian saw a man try to sweep a dusty room but it only made the dust worse. It was not until a girl sprinkled water on the dust that she was able to sweep the room clean. As Interpreter explained, the law (symbolized by the broom) only stirs up the sin in our hearts. We need the pure water of the gospel to make our hearts clean.
Passion and Patience. Christian next saw two boys sitting in chairs — one impatient to receive his promised “good things,” the other willing to wait. Christian learned that those willing to wait for heavenly rewards will be truly satisfied, while those who insist on earthly rewards now will end up destitute.
A Fire That Won’t Go Out. Interpreter showed Christian a strange scene — a man was throwing water on a fire by a wall, but the fire kept burning brighter and hotter. Christian was puzzled…until the Interpreter showed him a man behind the wall secretly pouring oil on the flames. From this scene Christian learned that even though the devil does his best to put out the fire of our faith, our Lord Jesus keeps fueling the fire with the oil of his grace. What a wonderful reminder for Christians of all ages!
Strong Man With A Sword. The last scene we discussed featured a strong man battling his way past armed guards to enter a beautiful palace. Christian needed no explanation from Interpreter for this scene — he had already experienced some of the courage and determination required for the fight of faith. I used this illustration to teach the class that we will never float into the Kingdom. We must fight! As Jesus told his disciples, “the kingdom of God has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12).
As Christian left the house and continued on his journey, the Interpreter said, “Keep these things in your mind so they may act as prods in your sides to poke you and cause you to go forward in the way you must go.” I pray that this week’s lesson serves as a gracious prod to these young pilgrims!
Add comment October 23, 2008
10/12/08: Christian Enters The Narrow Gate
The message for this Sunday’s class is now available: 12:13 Message (10/12/08)
Thanks for your patience!
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After his near-fatal detour to visit Mr. Legality, Christian — thanks to Evangelist’s faithful intervention — gets back on the right path and reaches the narrow gate. Ashamed at his tendency to rely on human wisdom (and the legalistic advice of Worldly Wiseman), Christian pleads for entrance. To his delight, the gatekeeper Goodwill is eager to admit him despite his past failures: “In spite of everything people have done before they come here, we make no objections against anyone. No one will ever be driven away.” After some conversation about Christian’s encounter with Worldly Wiseman, Goodwill points him down the path and sends him on his way to the Interpreter’s house.
This segment of the story provided a wonderful opportunity to stress three things. First, legalism is a lie — it promises we can earn God’s favor by dutifully keeping all his commands, but it actually makes the burden of our sin even heavier. As Scripture states so clearly, “No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin” (Romans 3:20). Second, a genuine Christian will be humble about his sinful nature and grateful for the mercy of God. He will understand that he deserves God’s judgment for his sins…and consequently will be amazed at the “goodwill” of a God who throws the gate open wide. Third, though numerous false paths (wide and crooked) will intersect the Christian’s journey, he can press on with confidence that he has a reliable map (the Bible) and personal Guide (the Holy Spirit).
As Bunyan’s story relates, Goodwill pulls Christian through the gate to protect him from Beelzebub’s arrows. We had fun illustrating this scene as Cody “Beelzebub” Branchaw shot foam-tipped arrows at three volunteer Christians. Two were safely pulled in through the gate…one poor Christian got shot down before he could reach safety.
At the end of class, I offered to speak with any students who were feeling the burden of sin. Parents, please refer to the discussion questions on the back of this week’s student outline. The content of this week’s lesson provides such a rich opportunity to speak with your son or daughter about deep spiritual issues. Make the most of it!
The audio message, my teaching notes, the student outline, and the PowerPoint presentation are all available below. I hope these serve you and your family!
P.S. We extended the Soldiers’ Angels collection one more week. Students may bring in items for their soldiers this Sunday, October 19. See below for a list of general suggestions, as well as specific requests from the 7th Grade’s soldier.
P.P.S. There will be no 12:13 class on Sunday, October 26. I want to invite all the students to remain in the adult meeting to celebrate with me and four other pastors as we are ordained!
Add comment October 14, 2008
Student Feedback: Do Hard Things (Part One)
(Note: Students, here is your chance to tell Mr. Somerville and other students in your class how the book Do Hard Things is inspiring you! Simply click the “Add Comment” link below and share your thoughts.)
- Do you have any big dreams for serving God, the church, or the world during your teen years? What are they?
- Scripture tells youth to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Do you know any teens like this? Tell us about them!
- What is one “hard thing” you are doing this summer?
Add comment June 28, 2008
Discussion Questions: Do Hard Things (Part One)
PART ONE: RETHINKING THE TEEN YEARS
Chapter One: Most People Don’t (pp. 3-8 )
• How does the world expect you to spend your teenage years?
• How do the Harris brothers want you to view your teenage years as a result of reading this book?
Chapter Two: The Birth of a Big Idea (pp. 9-25)
• How do the authors define “rebelution”?
• The Harris brothers describe the teen years as “the training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now.” What does that mean? Does that idea excite you or scare you?
• An intensive summer reading assignment inspired the authors to think more deeply about their role in the world. What is one challenging book that you could put on your summer reading list?
• Be honest: Do you have high expectations of how God wants to use you during your teenage years?
Chapter Three: The Myth of Adolescence (pp. 26-45)
• How is a modern teenager like an elephant?
• What does modern society expect from teenagers? What did it expect of teenagers a hundred years ago?
• The authors write about “the self-fulfilling power of expectations.” What do they mean by that phrase?
• What might be the consequences of having low expectations for your teenage years? High expectations?
Chapter Four: A Better Way (pp. 46-60)
• How would you describe Raymond’s view of the teen years?
• What is a “kidult”?
• Can you think of five habits, skills, or convictions you could develop during the teen years that would help prepare you to glorify God as an adult?
• How does the good news of Christ’s death for sinners apply to us when we fall short of God’s expectations? How does it motivate us to embrace and live up to God’s expectations?
Add comment June 28, 2008
