Date: March 1, 2020
Holy
The Point: God is distinct from and above absolutely everything else.
Get Into the Study
Valentine’s Day has just come and gone, and it is a day many people celebrate those they love. Some people go to dinner and a movie, maybe they send flowers, and chocolates are a big crowd pleaser too. However, why do we choose to celebrate on that day? Historically, the holiday was named after a few martyrs who were persecuted for marrying couples. Later, when courtly love grew, the holiday was a time to declare romantic love for someone. More recently, it has become commercialized and about the gifts, yet it is still a day to celebrate love, romantic love or friendship love through Galentine’s Day.
Ask: “Who celebrated, called, or appreciated this Valentine’s Day and why they are special and unique to you? Why are they one of a kind?”
Allow time for responses. Highlight the phrase “one of a kind” that we often use to describe someone we love. Explain that today’s session will focus on the the only One who is totally unique and unlike anything other being in all of creation: God.
Dr. Beth Masters is currently working as a hospital chaplain where she engages with families, patients, and hospital staff during critical life moments. She has a Ph.D. in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she teaches Collegiate Ministry. Beth loves young adults, baking, and coffee.
Get Into the Study [Option]
Use the following optional activity as you introduce today’s session.
In advance, download the video of 50 examples of Robin’s holy catchphrases. Click here for the video. Follow the instructions on page 25 of the Young Adult Leader Guide to lead a discussion with your Bible study group.
This idea supports the teaching plan found in the Young Adult Leader Guide.
Get Into the Study [Option]
Use the following optional activity after you introduce “The Point” of today’s session and just before your opening prayer.
In advance, prepare to play the traditional hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy!” by Reginald Heber, or a similar arrangement by a contemporary group. Enlist someone to lead members in singing about the holiness of God. After singing, invite short prayers of praise.
This idea supports the teaching plan found in the Adult Leader Guide.
Study the Bible [Option]
Use the following optional activity after you study the first portion of Scripture from the PSG.
Show some images of stars in our galaxy, contrasted with the size of our galaxy and others. You can also create a slideshow on your computer using various pictures of stars to further demonstrate the distinct majesty of God. Make the point that God is without equal as our Creator.
This idea supports the teaching plan found in the Adult Leader Guide.
Study the Bible [Option]
Provide copies of three images that are taken up close. (Click here for images.) Or show the images as slides in a Powerpoint display. Be sure and download the picture of what the images actually are. Also download an image of the earth. Use the explanation and questions provided on page 10 of the Advanced Bible Study Guide.
Live It Out
Use the following current event and discussion just before you introduce the Live It Out statements.
Reports in China show both government-enforced quarantine, and self-imposed quarantine, as stores close and people stay inside. As of February 10th, the passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship had been under quarantine for over a week. With 135 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, passengers on the ship were confined to their cabins. Over 40,000 cases of coronavirus were confirmed worldwide, with 910 deaths, as of February 10th. Quarantine has required people be set apart from others in order to avoid both spreading and catching the disease.
Share that as believers, we are called to be set apart from others, as well.
Ask: “How can we be set apart without completely quarantining ourselves from the world?”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What makes you distinct?
- Who do you know that has a unique skill? What is it?
- What famous piece of creative work you have seen in person?
Isaiah 40:25-26
- What can we understand about God through the way he describes the heavens?
- In what ways is God beyond any kind of comparison?
- What’s the relationship between God’s holiness and our worship?
Isaiah 40:27-28
- How can the truth of this passage speak to you in moments when you feel like God is nowhere to be found?
- How has God proven Himself faithful in your life?
- Why is it important to understand that God knows everything about us?
Isaiah 40:29-31
- How would you explain the idea that God strengthens the weary and empowers the weak?
- What areas of your spiritual life needs strengthening most often?
- What are some steps we can take to grow in our understanding and experience of God’s holiness?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Falling Down Before the Holiness of God
Podcast – NEW FEATURE
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Bro. Pryor,
Is there a reason why this book’s session dates line up with Wednesday and not Sunday. The line up with Sunday in the past.
Thank You,
Randy
Senior Adult Sunday School
Randy, to which specific book in Bible Studies for Life are you referring?