THE CHURCH OF
PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 42 – SUNDAY MORNING,
OCTOBER 15, 2017.
TOPIC: RELATING
WITH IN-LAWS (RUTH AND NAOMI)
Main Text: Ruth
2:1-18
Memory Verse: But
Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you
go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people,
and your God my God - Ruth 1:16
Introduction
Relating well with
in-laws is one major area of concern for most couples. While some glide easily
into good relations and bonding with in-laws, others experience a hard time
trying to get along well with in-laws. Thankfully, the Bible provides examples
of cordial and supportive in-law relationships. These include Ruth and Naomi,
Peter and his mother-in-law and Jethro who guided Moses. The story of Ruth and
her mother-in-law, Naomi, will be discussed to help us glean lessons on how to
build good relationships with our in-laws.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did Ruth relate
with Naomi? Ruth 1:15-17
2. Why did Ruth find
favour in the eyes of Boaz? Verses 9-11
3. How did Ruth take care
of Naomi? Verses 16-18
4. Discuss some of the
challenges married people face in relating to their in-laws.
5. How can Christian
couples resolve conflicts with their in-laws?
Conclusion
After several persuasions
to stay in Moab, Ruth made a vow and which expressed her loyalty and deep love
for her mother-in-law. With the death of Naomi’s son who was Ruth’s husband,
none was bitter towards the other, but rather, a harmonious relationship
existed between them. In Bethlehem, where they had settled after leaving Moab,
Ruth served her mother in-law so well that news of her good attitude reached
Boaz, who eventually married Ruth. In-laws come across with different cultures,
temperaments and expectations which make bonding challenging. Though we cannot
prescribe a ‘one fix all’ solution to these challenges, we can learn from such
good examples in Scripture that it is possible to live in harmony once we
decide to love and accommodate the weaknesses of our in-laws.
*****************************
THE CHURCH OF
PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 42 – SUNDAY EVENING,
OCTOBER 15, 2017.
TOPIC:
THE
ROLE OF FATHERS IN THE FAMILY
Main Text: 1
Corinthians 4:14-21
Memory Verse: For
I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after
him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the
Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him -
Genesis 18:19
Introduction
In order to be good
fathers to children, fathers need to be intentional about training their
children. They should also understand that they were purposely chosen by God to
direct their household especially their children to follow after God. So the
father is the priest, the coach, the director and the teacher of the house.
Whatever he does becomes an example for the household to learn. The future of
any generation therefore, is greatly influenced by the behaviour and character
of fathers. In today’s lesson, we will use Paul as a model to study the role of
fathers in parenting.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did Paul become
the spiritual father of the church in Corinth? Verse 15168
2. Mention three things
Paul did to the church in Corinth as a spiritual father? Verses 16-17
3. Why was it important
for Paul to still go to Corinth? Verse 19
4. Why do you think Paul
had the confidence to tell the church to imitate him?
5. What lessons have you
learnt from Paul as model of fatherhood?
Conclusion
Through the gospel of
Christ Jesus, Paul became the spiritual father of the church in Corinth. In
writing to them, Paul does not want to shame them because fathers are not to
provoke their children (Eph 6:4). He, however, warned them against arrogance,
reminded them of his way of life and urged them to imitate him. Even though he
wrote to them and sent Timothy to them, that was not enough for him. He also
planned to visit them in person as a father. Fathers are expected to be
intentionally involved in the raising of their children in ways pleasing to the
Lord.
*****************************
READ
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE
Week
42 (Sunday 15th October to Saturday 21st October, 2017)
- Sunday: Matthew 27-28
- Monday: Mark 1-3
- Tuesday: Mark 4-6
- Wednesday: Mark 7-9
- Thursday: Mark 10-13
- Friday: Mark 14-16
- Saturday: Luke 1
