First a quick personal update: After 6 days of swelling and some severe bruising I finally gave in and went to the doctor. She told me what had already been determined by a smart friend of mine. (He knew because he watches a lot of football.) I have a high ankle sprain. It is not as common as a lower ankle sprain and it can take longer to heal. Oh joy. But on the positive side Alyssa has enjoyed the ever-changing palette of vibrant colors cascading around my ankle. Now onward…
Wes led our students through a great lesson earlier this year. He printed out the curriculum provided by the church that was suppose to be taught. He made enough copies for everyone. Then he walked them through how he would study and prepare to teach. He asked the students to read through the lesson, analyze it, determine if they thought it was true, if the supporting verses did validate the main point, and consider how they would teach it. Basically, evaluation and critical thinking. Then we discussed our thoughts and findings at the small table groups.
The curriculum’s title was Serve the World/Love Others and used Philemon 1:4-6 for its main passage…
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
Philemon 1:4-6 (NIV)
Put your critical thinking skills to use! I know that I didn’t give you their whole teaching text but go back and read the title and the passage again. Did you catch the incongruity?
The students did draw out some observations and pretty much agreed that serving others (the world) is a good thing. Yes, serving others is a good thing. But what is this passage about? Paul is commending the church for their faith and their “love for all his holy people.“ It is about loving the fellow believer! Verse 6 can be confusing. Let’s read it in a different version…
and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
Philemon 1:6 (NASB)
It is a continuation of fellowship with those of the faith! That our fellowship with one another could be effective in deepening our understanding and experience of all the wonderful things we have together in Christ! This passage is about us, the body of Christ, living our faith in fellowship and love with one another. “Reaching the nations” (from the curriculum) is nowhere to be found here in this particular passage.
I could see from some of their reactions that they were surprised that they missed the true Biblical context. The good message of serving the world blinded them from seeing the gross distortion and misuse of Scripture. Their focus on man’s written context clouded out the Truth of that passage, the richness of what we had right there sitting at that table… fellowship with one another.
We should be thinking critically of all the messages we receive in life especially the ones we receive in the church. Not that pastors and teachers shouldn’t be trusted, but that we should be looking to Jesus to led us into all Truth no matter who is teaching. We should be a body of believers that encourages people to question, evaluate, and challenge our beliefs. It is a great opportunity to unveil any false belief systems we might have so that we could bring them to the light and walk in the truth.
So encouraging! At the same time, do you have any advice…? I have petered out lately on scouring through with them the kids’ study handouts for the week. There is usually at least one ‘gap’ in. every. lesson. – so it’s really become sad to think how negative and alienating I must sound to them about what their church leaders are saying. (I practice balancing…I do! But one of the two kids is more apt to hold on to the negative and completely disregard the positive.) You guys are familiar with my situation with regard to husband/church membership, so what’s the best picture for those kiddos here?
Hey Letha, thanks for writing! Great question too. First, let me just say that we have one of those little critters that struggle with the fleshly tendency to hold on to the negative and disregard the positive, only as you know my little critters aren’t so little anymore. Let’s not tell Christy about my little run-on sentence. It can be our little secret.
To answer your question I believe it takes a lot of reminding, redirecting, and encouraging of the truth in these areas. You know, the tiring, I’ve said it before, must I repeat myself over and over again. Haha, tired yet. Jesus experienced these kinds of times as well, I think I recall Him saying some like “how long must I suffer you” to the disciples.
Continue to teach them to think about what’s being taught and point them to the truth of Father’s Word. When we find something that doesn’t line up with the truth we remind our kids that ministers make mistakes and sometimes struggle with communicating what’s in their hearts. We also teach them that we can trust the Holy Spirit to experience and express His love, forgiveness, kindness, and understanding towards them.
Above all, I think you have the greatest calling as parent covered already. You walk with and know your children. As a result, you have the opportunity to see these things and continuously redirect them towards the Spirit when needed.
Many times I find myself giving thanks to Jesus that He has brought these things to the surface and let Him know that I’m trusting Him for how to get through to my little loved one.
You know me, I’ve got another hundred thoughts on the subject. We can discuss those in person if you like. See you tomorrow!