By Jim Henkell

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 7C Gospel.

Text: Luke 10:1-20 for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series C

OBJECTIVES

Focusing on verses 1-12, participants will realize they have been called by God and given unique gifts to serve in the church of today.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bible

Newsprint

Markers

3×5 index cards

GROUP GUIDELINES

Using a piece of newsprint or chalk board, have participants call out the name of a world leader, a member of the group, a rock star, and a cartoon character. These people are now the senior pastor, associate pastor, music minister and Director of Christian Education of their church. Using two separate sheets of newsprint, give reasons for and against these people being effective workers in the field.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Divide the students into three groups. Answer the following questions:

  1. What is a worker in the field?
  2. Who has been the best example of this in your life? Why?
  3. Are you, today, a worker in the field? How?
  4. How will you personally be a worker in the field in 15 and 25 years?

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

  1. Each group will read one of the following three sets of Scripture verses. Answer the questions after reading the verses.
  2. Read 1 Timothy 4:9-16.
    1. What is Timothy’s gift that Paul talks about in verse 14?
    2. What wasn’t he supposed to do with it? Why?
  3. Read Luke 1:26-38.
    1. What was the message being delivered to Mary?
    2. How do you think Mary felt as the message was being delivered? After it was delivered?
    3. How did Mary respond to this message?
  4. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
    1. What were the characteristics Samuel was looking for in a new king?
    2. How did God let him know that these were not the most important traits?
    3. Why do you think God chose young David to be king over all of Israel?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

  1. Read 1 Timothy 4:12. We are called to be workers in the field. On a 3×5 index card write out the five categories mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:12. For each category, write one way you can set an example, or be a worker in the field in the next week.
  2. Divide into groups of two. Decide who will be person A and B. For the next three minutes person B will be a glob of clay for person A. Your job is to move, shape, twist, or mold person B into something that represents how they can best serve as a worker in the church. Have everyone explain their creation, then give person B the same opportunity.

CLOSING

This closing prayer is called “Affirmation Leapfrog.” Line up in a straight line an arms-length apart. Kneel on the floor. The leader should remain standing at the back of the line. Begin at the back and say a prayer over each youth, thanking God for a specific gift He has given that person. Once you have prayed over two people, the person in the back will stand up, pray over the person in front of him/her, and then continue down the line. Keep going until you reach the end of the line, and kneel down so that everyone has a chance to pray over you. The prayer ends when everyone has prayed over everyone else.

 

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies.

Updated for youthESource in June 2016