[1]NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies for Life curriculum.
Bible Passage: Matthew 15:1-11, 17-20
Discussion Question:
Are my thoughts and actions in line with Jesus’ teaching?
Food for Thought:
[2]Most children who are asked a question by their teacher delight in answering correctly and often feel a sudden burst of energy and pride in giving a correct answer. There’s nothing quite like pleasing the teacher and proving that you have understood and applied the teaching correctly.
Jesus often used questions to teach spiritual truths and to challenge religious practices. As adults, doesn’t it feel just as good today to know the right answers to the questions that Jesus asked, because knowing the correct answer gives us the possibility of living out His instruction — words that bring life if we follow them. In the March 3 lesson, we’ll see how Jesus asked questions that challenged the religious traditions of His day. Are there any traditions we have today that are not helping us advance the gospel?
Beginning March 3, Bible Studies For Life begins a four-week unit titled, “Questions Jesus Asked.” Jesus asked questions of His followers, and the right answers led to their growth as disciples. Getting the answers right today does the same thing.
Some questions we’ll explore in the March 3 lesson include:
— What are some traditions that, while not commanded in the Bible, are helpful to believers?
— Are there any traditions in your church that might make it difficult for new people to feel at home there?
— How can good, effective traditions help us share the gospel and advance the Kingdom of God?
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life is a life-stage focused family of resources that addresses key issues in the lives of adults and students. LifeWay is making improvements to Bible Studies for Life that take effect in Fall 2013. To see those improvements, go to www.biblestudiesforlife.com/fallpreview [3].
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool [4].
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Ken Braddy, manager of LifeWay’s adult ongoing curriculum, regularly blogs about Sunday School and small groups at http://sundayschoolguy.wordpress.com [5].