Class Lesson May 22, 2011

Hey Gang,

This is our final lesson on our Leadership series. I am combining the last two lessons into one since we won't be having Sunday school class next week. This week we are looking at two names in the Bible that our series has identified as leaders we should learn by.

Have you ever thought of your name as a reflection of who you are?

In the ancient Near East your name was more than just words. Your name was your identity, in fact it was reflective of your character, your substance, the very fiber that made you, you. Your name told who you were.

Does Your Name Say Anything About You?

If you click below, there is an introduction to the video we will be watching on Sunday regarding your name and just who you are?

YOUR NAME

Click Here

 


Now, see if you can match the names below with the description of who they are to the right:

 What is your name?          Who are you?

We each have this unique path, a calling, a life that God has given us; and Jesus invites us to be our true selves and yet we get sidetracked, and we get distracted, we get hung up on how we’re different from her or we aren’t like him and we end up asking the wrong questions.

Do you have the sense of a unique path in your life?

If so, what is it?

Are there ways in which you tend to get distracted from "your path" because of what others do, say, or think?

You and I have pasts, families we come from, things we've done, mistakes we've made, and where we've been and what we've done has shaped us into who we are today. So we have to embrace our story, our history. You don't have to be proud of it, but you must claim it because it's yours.

What do you think it means for people to claim their own history?

Have you claimed yours?

Paul & Barnabas have done this very thing in our lesson this week - let's see. 

Names have incredible power. They represent who we are. Often God changed the names of His people to align with their destiny. He changed Abram (father of the exalted) to Abraham (father of multitudes). Jacob (deceiver) became Israel (God strives). Cephas (a reed) became Peter (the rock), Saul (asked) became Paul (little) and Joseph ( Jehovah increases ) became Barnabas (Son of Encouragement).


Let's see what we can learn from Paul and Barnabas' name about who they were.

I. BE UNWAVERINGLY FAITHFUL – 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5

The Faithful Manager

1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.


How does Paul want to be known by name?



Two problems the Corinthians faced and we face that keep us from pursuing God’s agenda:

1. __________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________

Why doesn’t Paul seem to care if other people evaluate him? How do you handle criticism?



II. REFUSE TO COMPROMISE – GALATIANS 1:6-10

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ, [and are turning] to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another [gospel], but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9 As we have said before, I now say again: if anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! 10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.


Why was Paul amazed?



What does Paul want you to refuse to compromise? 

What does it mean to be saved by grace?



From Paul we can learn two lessons:

1. Ultimately, the only _________________ that will matter will be God’s.

2. Don’t ________________ the true gospel.

III. TAKE A RISK INVESTING IN OTHERS – ACTS 9:26-27

Saul in Jerusalem

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.


Why was the risk for Barnabas in investing in Saul? Why were the disciples afraid of Saul?



What do you think Barnabas saw in Saul that led him to intercede?



How do we know if someone is worth the risks associated with their past?




IV. RECOGNIZE TRUE POTENTIAL – ACTS 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas Part Company

36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord, and see how they're doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.


What is significant about Paul’s name change and role now in chapter 15?



What was the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?



What do you think Paul’s position on John Mark was and how would you explain it? Was he right?



What do you think Barnabas’ position on John Mark was and how would you explain it? Was he right?





From Barnabas we can learn two lessons:

1. Investing in others calls for ___________ __________ for the sake of helping to accomplish God’s will in the lives of other people. Barnabas’ plea on behalf of Saul to the disciples is such an example.

2. People ___________________________________.



How would you describe Paul and Barnabas’ leadership styles?

I hope that everyone has had a blessed week and that you are in preparation for what God has to tell us on Sunday through two of his finest leaders in the Bible - Paul and Barnabas.

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan