Get lessons via RSS
Scripture Focus
Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Genesis 2:3; Job 42:5, 6; Isaiah 6:1-3; Luke 4:31-36; 5:1-11; Revelation 4:8, 9
Concept
The Bible describes God as holy. This teaches us about the Lord’s perfect and pure nature. It also teaches us about our own sinful condition.
Materials Needed
Bibles, paper, pens, pencils, markers or colored pencils, songbooks or hymnals
Connecting with the Scripture Topic
- Have you ever accidentally discovered that you were in the presence of someone very important? When you found out, how did you feel? Share your experience with the group.
- If a five-year-old asked you, “What is holiness?” could you capture the concept in a simple drawing? Try to do so using the supplies provided. Don’t try to be an artist; just draw a simple sketch of what you think “holiness” looks like.
Sharing and Receiving Scripture
- Have you ever heard God speak to you audibly? What were you told and what did you do about it?
- Thought Questions
Are the Gods of the Old and New Testaments the same God? Study the following passages and ask, “What does this teach me about the nature of God in both testaments?”
Read Genesis 2:3, the first reference to holiness in Scripture. What does this passage say about holiness?
- The word for sanctified means to make holy or to “set apart” for a sacred use.
- Holiness seems to be related to making special time.
- We learn that God didn’t make “rest” because of tiredness; there was a desire for a relationship.
- Holiness also seems to be tied to celebrating something very good.
- We see the word “blessed” also used to describe this holy time—an indication of the affirmation in holiness.
- Other…
When different Old Testament characters were exposed to God’s presence in a dramatic way, what was their common response? Look at how these individuals related to the Lord’s holiness:
Peter experienced Jesus in a dramatic way. Read Luke 5:1-11. When Peter realized he was in the presence of a divine being, what was his response?
- It piqued his curiosity, and he was interested in having a theological discussion with Christ.
- Peter always had questions, and this Person was just who he needed to talk with.
- Being rather insecure, Peter needed Someone who would really help his self-esteem.
- Peter struggled with Christ’s request. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing…”
- The Bible clearly says that Peter fell on his knees in humility and asked Jesus to leave him.
- Other…
Applying the Message of Scripture
Gather in groups of two or three. Choose one of the following options and work on a solution. Then report back to your group when your facilitator says time is up.
- Option 1: One of your coworkers says to you, “I could never come to your church. I wouldn’t fit in. My life is a mess. I’m not holy enough.” Based on what you learned in this lesson, how would you respond to your friend?
- Option 2: Look through a hymnal or songbook for words and phrases that speak of God’s holiness. Find passages in the music that especially capture in your mind the beauty of God’s holy nature.
- Option 3: Create a fun illustration of how we might receive holiness from God by drawing a picture of a bottle of liquid someone might purchase. What would it be called? What are the ingredients? How would a person apply it or use it?
Valuing Scripture in Your Life
- Reflect quietly for a few moments about how you might relate more appropriately to God’s holiness. What one thing could you do to be more like Peter or Isaiah in sensing the holiness of the Lord?
- Pray in groups of three for God to help you act on this one thing to help you grow in knowing the sacredness of God’s presence.
Next Week’s Scripture Focus
Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; 12:21; Romans 7:8-13; 13:8-10; Job 24:14, 15; Exodus 16:4-30
More Sabbath School Resources
- Sabbath School University: a weekly young adult discussion in English and Spanish
- International Adult Bible Study Guides
- Free Sabbath School iPhone, iPad, and Android App
- GraceLink Storytelling iPad app for the child in our family or the kid in us