BETTERLIFE ADULT SUNDAY LESSON 11// MARCH 13TH, 2022// TOPIC: THE BIBLE AND CULTURE//
UNIT 2: WHY WE NEED THE BIBLE
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven(KJV).
Central Truth
God calls His people to live by Biblical values in a sinful culture.
The Lesson Outline
1. Be Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13-20
A. Effective Witnesses
B. Righteous Witnesses
2. Scripture and the Arts
Exodus 31:1-5; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 15:58
A. Spirit-Anointed Skills
B. To Glorify God and Benefit Others
3 Biblical Wisdom on Entertainment
Isaiah 5:20-24; Philippians 4:8-9
A. Value What God Desires
B. Think on These Things
Teaching Goals
1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Describe what it means to be salt and light in our culture.
2. Influence Attitudes: Challenge students to appreciate the importance of living out their Christian values within the culture.
3. Influence Behaviour: Encourage students to use their talents and interests as opportunities to engage and influence culture according to Scripture.
Introducing the Lesson
Begin class with this question: "What role do Christians hold in shaping the culture around us?"
There is an old saying that Christians can either be a thermometer or a thermostat in the world. We either adapt to the values of our culture, like a thermometer changes in response to temperature, or we can shape culture, like thermostat controls the temperature. Scripture is clear: Rather than all the world to change our values, should live out the values Scripture and thereby influence culture.
The Holy Scriptures
Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto al that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father whichis in heaven.. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousnesS shall 'exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
1 Cor 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATIONS
1. Be Salt and Light
A. Effective Witnesses
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt was a staple of life in the Ancient Near East. More than just a seasoning, it was often rubbed into meat to act as a preservative. Other times, farmers would add it to soil as a fertiliser. Virtually everyone depended on salt in some way. Yet salt did not usually exist in pure form. When it was mined from the Dead Sea area, it was sometimes mixed with gypsum (which resembled salt). When rain would fall, the salt would leech away.
This is the sense in which salt would lose its "savour (KJV) or "saltiness" (NIV) in Matthew 5:13. The remaining gypsum was worthless. This was a serious problem, since people depended on salt in so many ways.
Jesus was instructing Christians to recognise and practise their unique and vital role in the worid: to declare God's kingdom and purposes. If we lose our identity and become mingled with the world, we will fail to fulfil that role. God intends for our Christian character and
values to have an impact on Our world.
Jesus also called His people to remain clearly visible (verses 14-16). Light is an important metaphor in Scripture, often symbolising Jesus and His mission (see John 1:4-5; 8:12). As light, Christians convey the gospel in a sin-darkened world.
Hiding who we are is inconsistent with being a believer. Conversely, letting our faith be seen is foundational to our identity. Just as a city on a hill will naturally be seen by all those around it, believers ought to be clearly recognised by the surrounding world. Just as a bowl
can render a lamp useless, hiding be our faith makes us unable to be recognised (Matthew 5:14-15).
The call for Christians to be light is especially relevant as false religions and unbelief become more prevalent. The light we are called to shine forth will dim if our message becomes tainted. Rather, we should let God's light shine through us (verse 16). "Works" here is a rererence to our way of living. As we live for God in word and deed, we convey the message of love, grace, and hope in the gospel. As seeking hearts observe our lives, they can hear the gospel and become worshippers of God as well.
Questions for Application
Why do you think Jesus compared His people to salt and light?
How might a Christian become "unsalty," or hide his or her light? What would be the result?
B. Righteous Witnesses
Matthew 5:17-20
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus was speaking to religious leaders who accused Him of not following the Law closely. But, in fact, He was actually teaching how God always intended His commands to be understood and obeyed. The Law was about more than religious practice; it called for a changed mindset and character.
When Jesus said He came to "fulfil" the Law rather than abolish it (verse 17), He meant that He came to accomplish its purpose.In other words, the Law wasn't altered or abolished because Jesus came verse 18). Rather, Jesus brought out its intended meaning. God's plan, ordained before the foundations of the world, hasn't changed, and it is accomplished through Jesus (see Revelation 13:8).
Matthew 5:19 is clear. God's people are still called to honour the righteous commands of the Law. But these commands must be seen in light of verses 17-18. The Law pointed to the life and ministry of Jesus, therefore He defined how it is to be observed. We don't offer sacrifices, because Jesus has atoned for our sins (Hebrews 10:1-10). Dietary laws are fulfilled because defilement is now an issue of the heart. (Mark 7:14-23). Other commands are also fulfilled as matters of the heart, as Jesus clarified later in Matthew 5.
Through His life and teachings, Jesus pointed toward the definitign of righteousness the Law had always intended. It wasnt merely a matter of outward appearances and religious activities. True righteousness is a matter of the heart, motivated by love.
Our righteousness must go beyond the religious practices of the Pharisees, who were very devoted to Biblical (and their own) rules of righteousness. (Matthew 5:20).
Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus set forth spiritual principles. We put these principles into practice when we let them define who we are, not just what we do. Throughout the Sermon on the Mount (of which this passage is part), Jesus called us to set our hearts and minds on His kingdom. True righteousness involves our whole being.
As we take a moment to reflect on Jesus teachings throughout Matthew 5-7, it is easy to imagine how our obedience to God's righteous commands can bring about a powerful witness. We are Called to love, forgiveness, honesty, sincere charity, selflessness, and many other spiritual virtues. These qualities in many ways stand in contrast to a fallen, ungodly culture and thus provide a powerful witness of God's transforming grace.
Questions for Application
What do you think it means to say that Jesus fulfilled the Law?
In what practical ways can our obedience to God providea witness of the gospel?
Response to the Word
Take some time to read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. How well does your life match His description of what it means to be His follower? Take a moment to search your heart, then seek God to help you live as a shining light in a Sin-darkened world.
2. Scripture and the Arts
A. Spirit-Anointed Skills
Exodus 31:1-5
When we think about what Scripture teaches regarding our skills and talents, our minds often focus on forms of ministry. While this is true, we can also honour God and bring Him glory at work, at school, and even through our hobbies and interests. In this way, we are salt and light to the world.
Exodus 31:1-5 presents a case in which a man, Bezalel, is described as having practical, artistic skills that came to him through the Spirit of God. This was a key moment in the history of God's people, as the tabernacle was being built. It is here that God's people would go to meet with Him. Using Spirit-anointed skills as an artisan working with gold, silver, and bronze, Bezalel made an important contribution to this project.
Sometimes Christians wonder how their skills apply to their place in God's kingdom. This is especially true if those skills aren't associated with church ministries like preaching, teaching, or music. Yet God anoints His people in many ways for many purposes. "Non-church" skills can help us reach secular cultures, where we interact with people who know little about God.
It is also important to keep in mind that giftedness from God must never be seen as taking the place of our own hard work and commitment. Bezalel still had to work hard, even as he depended upon the Holy Spirit to help him use his God—given talents. We, too, can endeavour —with the help of the Spirit—to honour God and promote His kingdom through the gifts He has given us to use.
Questions for Application
What does it mean to say that our skills can be anointed by the Spirit?
How can artistic skills be used for God's glory to further His kingdom?
B. To Glorify God and Benefit Others
1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 15:58
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul was addressing a believers sense of freedom. Some among the Corinthians were saying that believers could live as they pleased. Paul countered that we ought not decide how to live based upon what is lawful, but what is beneficial to others (see verse 23).
As Christians ponder the gifts and talents God has given them, they should keep in mind that God has blessed them for a higher purpose than their own pleasure or benefit. All they do should be done for the good of others and the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31; see also verse 24)
When a believer lives according to the principle of verse 31, he or she will no longer focus on self. Rather the focus will be on helping and blessing others. This is true inside and outside of the Church. Gifts and talents from God can provide unique opportunities to share the message of salvation through Christ as well as aid in the discipleship of fellow believers (verses 32-33). Then we, like Paul, might serve as good examples to others of what it means to love and serve Jesus (see 11:1).
Questions for Application
How can the principles in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 change the way you look at your gifts and abilities?
What are some practical ways people lay aside personal freedom and focus to instead benefit others?
Response to the Word
The Christian approach to giftedness is well-defined in 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord" (NIV). Why? Because such labour has value beyond this world. Take an inventory of how you are using your abilities, even in terms of your hobbies and interests. To what degree are your labours not "in vain? How can you reshape your abilities to be practised with even more of an eternal perspective?
3. Biblical Wisdom on Entertainment
A. Value What God Desires
Isaiah 5:20-24
In order to understand the clash between Biblical values and cultural values, we must recognise and appreciate the fact that a follower of God has a worldview that stands in direct contrast to that of the world. As such, our approach to every aspect of life is altered. The contrast is well illustrated in how our view of entertainment should be different. What brings us pleasure and relaxation? Where do we turn for recreation?
Scripture offers some important principles. In Isaiah 5:20-23, Israel had become corrupted to the point that their view of right and wrong had become the opposite of the truth. Note the contrasts in verse 20. Sadiy, our world today often reflects these perspectives-and, therefore, risks judgement.
Israel had reached the point where most saw little need for God and His righteous commands. Their transgressions fell into two categories. The first involved self-indulgence in the form of drunkenness. The second centred on injustice-the mistreatment of others for personal gain (verses 21-23). They failed to recognise that God watches out for the vulnerabie (Proverbs 22:22-23). Tragically those who conduct themselves in this way face judgement (lsaiah 5:24).
Isaiah 5 helps us discern what values to embrace or reject. God will judge those who focus on self and fail value what He values. As we decide how to live each day, our values must grow out of a love for holy things and a priority for the eternal.
Questions for Application
Where should the Christian turn when determining right and wrong?
How can a Christian avoid adopting the values of the world?
B. Think on These Things
Philippians 4:8-97
As we decide what we will seek to entertain us and bring enjoyment into our lives, we are wise to examine Philippians 4:8-9. In verse 8 (NIV), Paul listed qualities that ought to occupy the thought life of believers. Each of these possess spiritual virtue: things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. It is easy to link these things to godly actions and attitudes. As such, they form a good standard by which to choose our entertainment.
Paul concluded by stating that believers should look for excellent and praiseworthy things, and make them the focus of their thinking. We are to ponder these virtues, allowing them to guide us into good deeds.
Paul then pointed to himself as an example of how a Christian should live. By observing his life and teachings, the Philippians could know what it means to live a godly life.
Godliness in thought and action must be our goal when establishing our entertainment choices. When we go online in the privacy of home what sites do we visit? When we turn on the TV, what do we watch? When we are out of town for business where do we go? As Christians, we are called to live "counter-culture," shining brightly for Christ in a culture darkened by sin.
Questions for Application
Why is it important for us to guard our thought lives?
What things do you think on ? What changes in your thougnt ife do you need to make?
Response to the Word
When considering the light and darkness we encounter every day, our entertainment choices are critical. We should seek wisdom in deciding what we watch, listen to, search for online, etc. The principles of Scripture are Our greatest guide. Pray that God will help you present a consistent testimony by honouring Him with your entertainment choices.
Call to Discipleship
Our thought lives form the most private aspect of who we are, and provide a foundation upon which we build our values. Ask God to examine the most private parts of your life, and expose in your heart what needs to change. Then pray that He will help you to be and to live according to His will for your life.
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THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA