Adult Lesson – Week 1
Holy Scripture
Purpose:
The Bible, God’s Holy Scripture, is the guidebook for all of life.
Scripture: John 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Getting Started:
1. In your group, share your current favorite means of reading. Do you prefer paper
books, electronic books via Kindles, Nooks, or iPads? Or maybe you would rather
listen to books? Why?
2. Share with your group the first time you ever read the Bible. Do you clearly
remember the day, time, and the place? Were you too young to recollect? Which
version did you read?
3. Open your group up with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to direct and guide your
group’s discussion. Ask for insight and wisdom to be revealed to each person.
Lesson:
As a group, read John 1:1-2.
John begins his gospel in the very beginning. In fact, his “beginning” is quite similar to
the first words ever recorded in Scripture. Take a moment and read Genesis 1:1.
Frequently, pastors and evangelists encourage new believers to read the gospel of John.
The reason is how John truly begins from the start of the story…in the beginning.
 For the Triune God, the story commences in the beginning of time, and beyond.
For us, our story begins not when we were physically born, but when we were
physically born. Take time to recall with the group when you first accepted Christ
and how that decision changed your life.
 The Greek word for “Word” in John 1:1 is “Logos.” Through this Logos, all of
creation was created (vs 3). How do these first few verses of John offer evidence
to the existence of a Holy Trinity? What might this tell us about the importance of
Scripture?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a popular cult group, founded by Charles “Taze” Russell in
1870. Outside of knocking on your door on Saturday mornings, this group is also an
entity that does not ascribe to the complete version of Christian Scripture, the Bible. They
even have their own version, the New World Translation. In this version, the word
“Jehovah” is inserted numerous times in Scriptures even though it never appears in any
original language or English translations.
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Do you believe the English translations of the Holy Bible that we currently
possess are true and believable, without any error? Why or why not?
As a Christian, how important is it that we guard the authenticity of the Bible?
In Lee Strobel’s widely read book The Case for Christ, he quotes Bible scholars Norman
Geisler and William Nix. The two experts stated “The New Testament, then, has not only
survived in more manuscripts than any other book from antiquity, but it has survived in a
purer form than any other great book – a form that is 99.5% pure.” (65).
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Have you ever doubted the accuracy of Scripture? In the life of a believer, why
might it be so vital to fully believe in the reliability of God’s Word?
Who would benefit most from our belief, or lack of belief, in the Bible?
A Wesleyan minister recently served New York City’s homeless population on the streets
of Harlem. He met a homeless man named Alfred who was a self-pronounced
“Einsteinian,” or follower of Einstein’s teachings. After finding out who and what the
minister was, Alfred asked simply, “So, have you read all of your Bible?”
 How would you answer Alfred? Using a percentage, share how much of the Holy
Bible you have read? Have you read the whole book cover to cover? If so, how
many times?
With 2 Timothy, Paul writes the last letter he ever penned. This epistle was written to a
young, upstart pastor and leader named Timothy. Take a moment and read chapter 3:1017. In verse 15, Paul share how Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures from “infancy”
(NIV).
 Were you taught the Bible from “infancy?” If so, share how you learned, e.g.
parents, class, friends?
 How might parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. today teach their
children/grandchildren Biblical truths from a young age?
 Reread verse 16. What does Paul mean by “God-breathed”? How much of
Scripture does Paul say is from God? What are the four main uses of Scripture
that arise in this verse?
 In verse 17, Paul shares the reason for correcting, rebuking, encouraging, etc. As a
Christ-follower, do you feel as though you are thoroughly equipped? How so?
Earlier in 2 Timothy, Paul highlights the history of faith that Timothy possessed (1:5).
This faith resided in his grandmother and mother. The Bible provides a basis for this
generational faith in Christ.
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Do you have a Christian heritage? Share how far back faith in Christ extends for
your family.
Did your family read the Bible when you were younger? If they did incorporate
Scripture into their lives and the life of your family, how did this spiritual
“grafting” occur?
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Next Steps:
When God’s Word is shared, the words will not return void (Is. 55:11).
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Ask one person whom you respect to follow up with you on a weekly basis and
see if you are reading God’s Word, even when you may not feel like taking the
time to do so.
Do you fully believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of the Lord? If so, how does
your daily life reflect this belief?
How does possessing a copy of the Scriptures hold you accountable for what is
inside?
Personal prayer: “God, I will read your Word. I believe what You wrote with all my head
and heart. Forgive me when I do not take time out of my regular routine to digest your
Scriptures. Write your commands and eternal, life-giving story on my heart, so that I
might share the words with others. Amen.”
Closing:
Seek to memorize Psalm 119:9-11. Take time now to write down these verses and place
them in your heart. In the coming week, how might you and/or the group “live according
to (God’s) word?”
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Adult Lesson – Week 2
God’s Purpose for Humanity
Purpose:
God’s purpose for humanity becomes clear only when we focus on God Himself.
Scripture:
Matthew 22:37-39; John 3:30; Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG); Colossians 1:15-20
Getting Started:
4. Looking back to your childhood, share what you wanted to be “when you grew
up.” How does this early career path compare to what you currently do
vocationally? What were your parent’s hopes for your life calling?
5. If you could work one job for a day, what would the position be? Why?
6. Determine which group member’s birthday is closest to today. Have this person
pray God’s blessing on your time together.
Lesson:
Take time to share with the group your all time favorite movie. In the movie Forrest
Gump, the beginning and ending show a feather floating gently on the breeze.
Symbolically, life is shown to be a random set of events, occurring by chance.
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How would you interpret the feather? Accident? Divine Providence? Do you
believe our lives are left to chance, or orchestrated by God Himself?
Approximately sixty percent of the gospel of Matthew is taken up by the saying of Jesus.
Read his words in Matthew 22:37-39. These verses are part of a larger Jesus narrative
found in 19:1-23:39. In this particular instance, the Pharisees are attempting to trick
Jesus, as usual. They hope to make him say something he would regret later. In fact,
verse 35 says the Pharisaical lawyer “tested” Jesus with his question.
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What do these two commandments by Jesus say regarding the purpose of our
lives?
What one word appears in both of Jesus’ challenges? How does this action verb
shed light on the meaning of humanity?
Matthew 22:37-39 falls into Jesus’ fourth and final narrative in this gospel. This section
records the conflicts of Christ as he made his way to Jerusalem. For Christ, the “going”
becomes more and more difficult as his proximity to the cross narrows. His purpose was
to redeem the world, but the path ran straight through the cross.
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In your opinion, why did the going get tougher for Jesus as he headed towards
Jerusalem and ultimately crucifixion?
If you truly served God with all of your heart and life, do you think more
blessings would come your way…or more trials?
How might following God’s purpose(s) for your life cause you more heartache
and persecution than avoiding His will? (See 2 Tim. 3:12)
In John’s gospel (3:30), the author makes a bold, counter-cultural statement. He does so
while sharing his insight about Christ. Take time now to read this verse. In Pastor Rick
Warren’s bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life, he begins the book with the words,
“It’s not about you.” Warren essentially rephrases John the Baptist words.
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Find a partner. Without looking, repeat John 3:30 verbally 4 times. This repetition
allows for short-term memory storage (8 times for long term).
If indeed our lives are not about us, where is the line? Or should there be a line
between self-giving and self-preservation?
Why are the statements (e.g. the John verse and the Warren sentence) so against
the grain of our current society?
In the Apostle’s letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul writes (1:11-12 MSG) where we can
find our identity and purpose in life. Even though he did not personally walk with Christ,
Paul did write the majority of the New Testament and was the greatest Christian
missionary ever to live. A man who once persecuted Christians now tells believers (1:12) where to find direction and meaning.
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What stands out most to you in these two verses? Why?
Compare these verses from the Message version of the Bible to another version.
Which do you like best?
What does Paul mean by “glorious living?” Is it possible to live “gloriously” on
this side of heaven, or is Paul offering “pie in the sky” theology?
Since Paul is writing to Christians, why does he have to share about God’s design
for our lives?
Paul continues in Colossians 1:15-20 to discuss Jesus and the centrality of our Savior in
the formation of all creation. Even in the Old Testament, authors point to Christ being
present at creation. In Genesis 1:1, Elohim is the Hebrew word for God used here, and a
plurality exists. The plurality is not little “g” gods, but Gods, therefore insinuating the
Holy Trinity. Even in the very beginning, Christ was present.
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Of all creation, which part do you enjoy the most? Mountains? Oceans?
Frequently, creation is labeled by many “nature.” Why might humanity and its
environment be better categorized as “creation?”
According to Paul, why was all of creation, including humanity, created (v16)?
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Next Steps:
Since Christ entered the world physically, all of humanity has never been the same.
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How does the concept of Incarnation (God becoming flesh) give you a new sense
of purpose and meaning in life?
In your circle of friends and family, who will listen as you share openly about the
meaning of life? Set a time to do so this week.
Pledge to read, or reread, the gospel of John within the next month.
Take time to journal about your life. Do you live with purpose, and on purpose?
Or, as the movie Forrest Gump highlights, are you floating around accidentally,
like a feather on a breeze?
Personal prayer: “Jesus, hear my prayer. Help me to trust in You for my purpose and
direction. I confess that, all too often, I rely on my own plans and not enough on Your
plans for my life. Forgive me for not trusting in you more. As I seek to follow you, make
my paths straight and my calling clear. Amen.”
Closing:
Along with John 3:30, seek to memorize Jeremiah 29:11. Write the verse on a notecard or
make an e-note on your phone or computer. Publish this verse on your Facebook, Twitter,
or blog account. In some way, share with others the power found in realizing that God
does indeed have a plan for their life…and mine!
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Adult Lesson – Week 3
Marriage and the Family
Purpose:
God’s intention for marriage and the family never changes. Christ is to be glorified and at
the center of both.
Scripture:
Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18-24; Judges 2:10; Isaiah 54:4-8; Ephesians 5:21-33
Getting Started:
7. As a child, who was your favorite television family? Why did you enjoy watching
this family so much?
8. If married, take time to share within the group how long you have been married.
If you are single, share how long your parents are/were married.
9. Before you begin the study below, nominate a group member to read the Lord’s
Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13. Ask Him to bless your time together.
Lesson:
As a group, read Genesis 1:26-27, along with Genesis 2:18-24.
At the beginning of creation, God creates man and woman. Both entities are special and
unique, highly valued in the eyes of God. Man and woman are created at the top of the
earthly food chain, and most importantly, they are created in God’s image.
 Reread Genesis 1:26-27. How should these words affect our own personal view of
our spouse, our family, and even ourselves?
 Verse 26 holds that God stated “Let us…” Who is the “us” in this passage?
 A point to ponder: Why might someone who already lives in perfect community
be the ideal candidate for creating man and woman?
 Note the differences between the accounts. What stands out as you read the two
records? What seems to be perplexing?
 How might this creation story shed light onto marriage and family today?
Family traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Sometimes, these
traditions are explicitly stated. At other times, they are implicitly understood. Judges 2:10
illustrate the lack of proper discipleship and passing on of family beliefs. The older
Israelite generation struck out spiritually, dropping the baton of faith. As a result, God’s
own people wandered from their strong faith and belief in God as their Savior and
Redeemer.
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Take time to share how your spiritual background and heritage. What traditions of
faith did you have growing up as a kid?
Do you incorporate any of those traditions now in your own marriage/family unit?
As parents, grandparents, etc., how can we do a better job at passing on Christ to
the next generation? How can we make them want what we have?
An evangelist once stated that he heard Cliff Barrows, longtime music and program
director for Billy Graham, speak at a men’s retreat. Over the weekend, Mr. Barrows
shared the nine most important words of marriage, which are: I love you, please forgive
me, and I am sorry. The evangelist telling this story added three more of his own words: I
was wrong.
 Do you agree with Mr. Barrows? Why or why not? Do you have three more
words that you would add?
 If you were to speak at a marriage retreat, what would your topic be?
 Why are these words often times so incredibly hard to utter verbally?
In Ephesians 5, Paul discusses the importance of a Godly lifestyle. We are to imitate
Christ in every way (vs 1) and allow our life to match His life. At the end of the chapter,
he specifically addresses the marriage union and relationship between a man and woman.
The Apostle, although presumably never married, gives both parties straightforward
commands.
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As you read verses 21-33, does your Bible have a sub-heading? If so, where does
it fall? Before verse 22? After verse 20? Most translations have the heading
coming after verse 21. However, many scholars hold that verse 21 is really the
heading for the rest of the chapter. If this is true, how might it change the
interpretation of the stated text of verses 22-33?
In your opinion, who should be the spiritual leader of the home? Husband? Wife?
Both? Others?
According to this passage, who should be the greatest servant in a marriage
relationship?
All throughout the Old Testament, writers highlight the love relationship between God
and his people, the nation of Israel. God is always pursuing. The Jewish people are
frequently running. Read Isaiah 54:4-8.
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What is the tone and feel of the passage?
How might this speak to your current marriage and family situation?
Why might the first part of verse 4 be vital to understanding who God is and what
His character is like.
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Next Steps:
When marriage and the family unit focus on Jesus, the proper spiritual and relational
health seem to follow closely thereafter.
 Talk to your spouse about raising your children/grandchildren. What practices
should you incorporate into the rhythms of your family life? Which ones should
be eliminated?
 If you are single, make a list of values and spiritual non-negotiables to be
incorporated into your marriage and family at the appropriate, God-anointed time.
Are these characteristics evident in your life currently? Why or why not?
Personal prayer: “God, help me to marry for the long haul. May I be the spouse that I
want her/him to be. Help me not to think of myself more highly than I should. Enable me
to raise up this next generation for Christ. May this generation be a generation of
wonderful Christian followers of Jesus who model their marriages and families to
others.”
Closing:
Take time this week to review the words of Christ and what he had to say on marriage
and the family. How did he draw the family lines? Around bloodlines, or faith lines? In
His mind, which was more important?
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Adult Lesson – Week 4
Personal Choice
Purpose:
To highlight our need to choose God on a daily basis, as He applies to all of life.
Scripture:
Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17, 3:1-6; Joshua 24:15; Luke 23; James 4:1-10
Getting Started:
10. Within your group, choose someone who fits each of these categories: Miss
Congeniality, Most Likely to Succeed, Valedictorian, Prom King and Queen, Best
Cook/Baker. Have fun selecting the appropriate people. What other categories
would you add for your particular setting?
11. When you think about the word “choice,” what comes to mind?
12. Pause for a moment and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom over
your time together. Ask for His leading as you discuss today’s topic of “personal
choice.”
Lesson:
When the words “personal choice” are typed into a web search engine, over 30 million
results emerge. These findings vary from insurance plans to politics to spas. The word
“choice” brings to mind any number of mental images for everyone. However, one
choice produced results that every single person lives with every day. Read Genesis 2:89, 15-17 and Genesis 3:1-6.
 How many trees did God plant in the garden? Thus, how many opportunities did
Adam and Eve have to choose correctly? Conversely, how many trees were they
told to avoid?
 Why didn’t God simply create a garden absent of the knowing good and evil tree?
 Like the first humans, how do the choices we make every day affect others…even
those we may not know at the time?
Imagine for a moment that you are in love. Yet, tragedy strikes. You find out the one you
love doesn’t return the same feelings. Now, imagine again that the FDA recently
approved a “love pill.” When the pill is consumed, the person immediately falls in love
with the individual closest to them…a Cupid pill of sorts.
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Would you use the pill on your love interest? Why or why not?
If the pill is used, would the love be true love?
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Remember the previous passage in Genesis. How might this fictitious scenario
connect back to the Garden of Eden? What do both scenarios say about the
character of God, and free will…or the ability to choose?
Turn in your Bibles to Joshua 24. Joshua finds himself at the end of his life and
leadership career. He began the book (read chapter 1) unsure of himself and his ability to
properly guide the Israelite people. Was he really the man for the job, even though God
sure thought he was? In fact, God tells him four times in chapter 1 to “be strong and
courageous.” Now, at the end of the book, Joshua is a strong and confident man. Read
Joshua 24:14-15.
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To use Joshua’s words, is our choosing “this day whom you will serve” a onetime choice, or a continual choice? Could it be both? Why or why not?
What gods do we often serve today in lieu of choosing to serve the Most High
God?
In verse 16, the Israelites had the right answer. What would the right answer be
for us today?
In Luke 23, Christ appears before Pontius Pilate. Appoint one group member to read this
chapter aloud. Although reluctant, Pilate hands Jesus over to the crowd for crucifixion.
Instead of choosing the criminal Barabbas, the Jews choose Christ for death. A short time
later, Jesus hung on a cross in between two criminals. Of the two, one criminal ended up
choosing Christ. The decision by the Jews and the two criminals highlights the most
important choice we will ever make…to choose Christ. One way or the other, we in fact
choose Christ. We either choose to crucify him with our continued sin and disobedience,
or we choose to serve him through acknowledging His deity and the salvation He freely
offers to all (v41-42).
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Having heard this account again, what aspect of the story stands out to you now
that never did before? Divide up into pairs to answer this question with a partner.
Allow for a few minutes of solitude within the group. During this time of silence,
reflect on your current life situation. Are you consistently crucifying Christ
through your sin, or are you consistently glorifying Him through your submission
to His authority? Confess known sin and ask for God to “remember” you, just as
the thief on the cross did.
The book of James is straightforward. The author does not mince words. In chapter 4,
James talks about the importance of submission and humility before God. Read the first
ten verses. Specifically, verse 4 highlights the need for clarity of mission as a follower of
God.
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As believers, are we solely focused on friendship with God versus the world?
Is it possible to be friends with both groups, or is James correct with his
assessment that both are mutually exclusive?
Why is it so difficult to live out what James is challenging believers to do here?
How does choosing God cause us to be an enemy of the world?
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Next Steps:
 Commit to purchasing a journal. Begin recording the ways in which you regularly
choose Christ over self.
 Pull out your calendar. Mark off an entire morning/afternoon/evening within the
next month. Label the time “Choosing God.” Spend the time praying, journaling,
reading Scripture, and recommitting your life choices to Him.
 Choose to serve outside of your comfort zone. Find an area of need in your church
or local community and seek to meet that need.
Personal prayer: “Father God…just as leaders such as Joshua and John Wesley chose
you, help me to do the same. Enable me to choose you more than I choose my needs and
wants. On a daily basis, grant me the strength to ‘be strong and courageous.’ With your
help, I commit to submitting to your Spirit’s leading. Amen.”
Closing:
We make hundreds, and even thousands, of choices every day. As you conclude your
study, make one final personal choice. Choose to celebrate God’s blessings in your life,
and, in turn, worship Him. Make a list of at least ten such blessings and praise God for
those provisions. Remind yourself that the most vital choice to make is to choose Christ.
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