Shadow Mountain - Dr. David Jeremiah - Generations (youth) - Print Curriculum by Lifetogether Ministries

for the

G E N E R AT I O N S adults youth

D R .

D A V I D spanish

J E R E M I A H

CONTENTS

04 Welcome 06 Bio 08 How To Use This Study Guide 09 Outline Of Each Session

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-940077-82-6 Printed in the United States of America

10 20 30

SESSION 1 TIME

SESSION 2 TREASURE

SESSION 3 TALENT

APPENDICES

42 43 44 45

Small Group Agreement Memory Verses Prayer And Praise Report Small Group Roster

SMALL GROUP LEADERS

Leadership Training 101

For thirty-four years I have been privileged to be the lead pastor of the Shadow Mountain Community Church. I have had many mountain-top experiences during those years, and I have also spent a few days in the valley. I firmly believe that the book you hold in your hands is a roadmap to the top of the mountain. We are just a few days away from entering our new Generations Building—100,000 square feet of new and exciting ministry-space! But more exciting than this brick and mortar structure for which we have all prayed and sacrificed, is the building program that is going on in each of our lives. For the next five weeks many of us will be gathering in small groups to have a congregational discussion about our Generations Building and our generosity in supporting the ministry that is about to explode within its walls. How we invest ourselves in this study will literally determine what God will do in these next months of ministry. This is a priority for our church that rests solidly on the principles of Scripture. While we often avoid the subject of money in our discussions, the Bible does not: “The Bible contains more than five hundred references to prayer and almost five hundred references to faith, but there are more than two thousand references to money and possessions. Out of thirty-eight parables that Jesus told in the Gospels, sixteen deal with how we handle our money. Jesus said more about money and possessions than about heaven and hell combined. One out of every ten verses in the Gospels deals with money or possessions—288 verses in the four Gospels.” [Philip Yancey, Grace Notes: Daily Readings with a Fellow Pilgrim (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 56.]

WELCOME 4

As we prepare to take possession of our new Generations Building, I urge you to pray daily for the Shadow Mountain people who are meeting together each week. I believe these small group gatherings could be the spark that ignites a spiritual revival among us. Let’s use this time in community to encourage one another . . . to strengthen our own faith. We dreamed a big dream when we envisioned the Generations Building, and God has honored our faith. Now let’s trust God for something even more eternal. Let’s build up one another spiritually. Let’s grow strong for this generation and for the generations to come!

BIO Dr. David Jeremiah is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. Messages preached in the pulpit at Shadow Mountain form the basis of Turning Point, his international radio and television ministry. Dr. Jeremiah has authored more than 50 books including The Jeremiah Study Bible. He is much in demand as a speaker because of his commitment to the truth of the Bible and his special ability to help people understand how to apply biblical principles to everyday living. Dr. and Mrs. Jeremiah are parents of four children and grandparents of twelve.

HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience!

A typical group session for the Generosity for the Generations study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured:

1 Use this workbook as a guide, not a straitjacket. If the group responds to the

lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

2 Enjoy your community group experience and have fun together. 3

Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, for wisdom and insights.

4 Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our three sessions are also listed in the appendix. INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to have the group read them aloud. In addition, you’ll find two simple questions to help get people talking as the session begins. You can use these one of two ways—with the whole group, or with just one or two other members. GROWING TOGETHER WITH DVD TEACHING SEGMENT. This section features a teaching from our student leaders. Questions will guide you to process as a group the teaching you experienced. LEARNING TOGETHER. Here you’ll focus on a passage of Scripture related to the topic. You’ll look at what the Bible says about the topic, asking and answering questions to deepen your understanding. REFLECTING TOGETHER. This section will allow you to prayerfully process what you’ve learned on your own. You may want to use a journal to record your thoughts as you consider how God is leading you to apply this truth to your life.

1 TIME

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 10

You’ve probably heard of “bucket lists” – lists people make of the things they want to do before they die. Perhaps you’ve even made one of these lists yourself. Bucket lists appeal to us because we know intuitively that we only have so much time on this earth, and that we have to make an effort if we’re going to see, do, accomplish and experience everything we want to.

What are your favorite ways to relax?

GROWING TOGETHER

Have you heard the saying, “Time is money”? What does that mean?

WATCH THE DVD for this session now.

Use the Notes space provided on page 14 to record key thoughts, questions, and insights you want to remember. After watching the DVD, have someone read the discussion questions on the next page and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

Time is a precious commodity. Even if you live to be 100 years old, at some point you will run out of days on earth. So it’s absolutely critical that we are wise in how we spend our time and what we spend it on. That’s the focus of today’s session—let’s dive in!

“

Time is a precious commodity.

Are you spending any of your time on things on that will matter longterm?

Why does time belong to God, not to us?

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one idea or challenge that really sticks out to you from todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video?

Read Psalm 90: 1-2, 10-12 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. 1

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Why does this Psalm begin with a reminder about God’s long-term care for His people?

LEARNING TOGETHER AFTER watching the DVD

teaching and discussing the previous questions, spend a few minutes studying this scripture passage that provides more insight into today’s topic.

Why can our short lives “boast only labor and sorrow”?

REFLECTING TOGETHER Teenagers have a bad reputation for being lazy, don’t they? And while you probably like your Netflix time or your Xbox or just catching up on your sleep, you also make time for the things you really care about. So what would it look like to be more intentional about how you spend your time? What’s one way you could take some of the time you’d usually spend on your TV or your phone and use it for God? Perhaps your group could serve others, through the church or through a community organization. Maybe you could give some of the money from your part-time job to someone in need. Maybe you just need to obey your parents the first time when they tell you to clean up your room! Individually or as a group, consider how you can apply this week’s teaching to your life.

Is it difficult to read about God’s anger and wrath? Why would the Psalmist include that idea in this passage?

How can we number our days? What is the reward?

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Read 2 Peter 3:8

DAILY DEVOTIONS Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

Reflect: Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why God does what He does. What does this verse teach us about God’s perspective on time?

Day 2

Read James 4:13-14

Read Ephesians 5:15-16 15

Reflect: What does it mean to walk circumspectly? (Look it up in a dictionary if you need to!) How can we redeem our time in ways that honor God?

Day 4

Read Psalm 39:4 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 13

Reflect: It’s not wrong to dream and plan for the future, but we must do it with the understanding that ultimately God is in charge. Take some time today to thank Him for his care over your life and ask for His wisdom in making plans.

“Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.

Read Mark 13:32

Reflect: Only God knows the moment He will return. Are you ready??

Day 6

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week. Summary: Taking Action: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

Reflect: The point of this verse is not to think negatively about ourselves, but to recognize the truth that our days are limited. Based on this week’s teaching, what are some changes you need to make to use your days well?

2 TREASURE

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters.

PSALM 24: 1-2

The theologian Martin Luther said that there are actually three conversions for every Christ-follower. First there is the conversion of the heart (do you love God and want to follow Him?), then there is the conversion of the mind (do you believe in Him and trust His word?), and finally there is the conversion of the purse (do you give to His church and to His purposes)? That last one is last for a reason— many of us find it easy to say we love God and believe in Him, but find it much more difficult to take those feelings and turn them into actions. But we’ve been created in God’s image, which means we’re designed to be generous just as God is generous. From the beautiful world we live in, to the Savior we serve, to the many blessings we enjoy each day, God is a giver who loves to lavish good things on us. Now it’s our turn— let’s explore why generosity is so important and how we can grow in our giving.

Do you have a job? What has it taught you about money?

GROWING TOGETHER

What’s your favorite thing to spend money on – clothes, movies, technology, food?

WATCH THE DVD for this session now.

Use the Notes space provided on page 24 to record key thoughts, questions, and insights you want to remember. After watching the DVD, have someone read the discussion questions on the next page and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

“

We’re designed to be generous just as God is generous.

Why is it so much easier to spend someone else’s money? Does thinking of your money as God’s money change your attitude toward it?

If God owns everything, why do you think it’s so important to Him that we give some of our money back to Him?

How does giving demonstrate trust in God?

Read Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Why is earthly treasure so fragile?

What are treasures in heaven? How do we accumulate them?

LEARNING

REFLECTING TOGETHER The opposite of faith is fear. Often, when we are unwilling to trust God with our money or give any of it back to Him, it is because in our hearts we are afraid that God will not keep His promises and provide for our needs. Other times, we are not concerned about basic needs but we are consumed by a variety of wants for more and better, and we fear that giving to God will mean not owning or experiencing everything we hope for. What’s holding you back from giving back to God? Are you ready to let go of that fear?

Why does our heart follow our treasure?

TOGETHER AFTER watching the DVD

teaching and discussing the previous questions, spend a few minutes studying this scripture passage that provides more insight into today’s topic.

Where is your treasure? Are you storing it up or stewarding it?

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reflect: God will only trust you with what He thinks you can handle. Ask him to help you grow in wisdom and maturity so you can be trusted with much.

Reflect: Does it seem backwards to you that you prosper by being generous? How can you “water” yourself by watering others?

Reflect: Do you give grudgingly or cheerfully? Ask God to help you give with joy.

Read Luke 16:10

Read Proverbs 11:25

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7

Day 6 Day 2

Read Ecclesiastes 5:10

Day 4

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

Read Luke 6:38 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Reflect: Often we think we’ll be happy with “just a little bit more.” What does this verse say is actually true? Do you think you’ll ever have “enough” money?

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Summary: Taking Action: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

Reflect: God delights in being generous with us! When we give, our reward will be more than we can dream.

3 TALENT

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 PETER 4:10

When we think of gifts, we think of piles of presents under a Christmas tree, or a wedding registry, or maybe a beautifully-wrapped box for our birthday. In the Bible, we read about a different kind of gift. These don’t come from a store, they come from the Spirit, and they won’t fit in a bag or under a tree. Instead, they become part of who we are as God entrusts each one of us with unique talents and abilities. These gifts are also different because they’re not ours to keep. God doesn’t give us talents or skills so we can just use them for ourselves— in fact, the whole point is to bless others. Today we’ll learn more about what it means to have a spiritual gift, and how we can use it to serve others in the body of Christ.

Have you ever served or volunteered at Shadow Mountain?

GROWING TOGETHER

What’s one thing you’re really good at?

WATCH THE DVD for this session now.

Use the Notes space provided on page 34 to record key thoughts, questions, and insights you want to remember. After watching the DVD, have someone read the discussion questions on the next page and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

“

God doesn’t give us talents or skills so we can just use them for ourselves.

How does it lead to unity and growth when everyone uses their different gifts?

Why is it so important to focus on our own gifts and not the gifts of others?

What are some â&#x20AC;&#x153;behind the scenesâ&#x20AC;? gifts that are really important?

Read Romans 12:3-8 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 3

LEARNING TOGETHER AFTER watching the DVD

teaching and discussing the previous questions, spend a few minutes studying this scripture passage that provides more insight into today’s topic.

Paul begins by encouraging his readers to be humble and honest when considering their gifts. Why is this so important?

REFLECTING TOGETHER The Bible mentions a number of spiritual gifts that God gives His people when they choose to follow Him. Here are some of these gifts. Do you recognize any of them in yourself? Do you see any of them in your friends? How can you use them to bless others? • Exhortation • Leadership • Prophecy • Teaching • Giving • Mercy • Service • Administration • Discernment • Faith • Evangelism • Hospitality

How does the analogy of a body with many parts illustrate the importance of each gift? What does it mean that we are “members of one another”? Why does God gift us so differently?

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Reflect: Everyone has a part to play and everyone has a purpose in God’s plan. How can you encourage those around you in developing and using their gifts?

Reflect: God equips us with spiritual gifts so we can act! Do you need love, selfdiscipline, or a spirit of power in using your gift? Ask God to help you grow in that area.

Day 4

Day 6

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…

Summary: Taking Action: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

Read James 1:17

Reflect: This week we’ve focused a lot on the spiritual gifts, but of course God has given us many other good gifts as well. Take a few moments today to thank him for the many ways he’s blessed your life.

Day 2

Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

Read Ephesians 4:11-12

Read 1 Peter 4:10 11

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Reflect: How is using our gifts a stewardship issue?

Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7 6

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

Reflect: What are the reasons given here for God gifting his people? How can your gift contribute to one of these goals?

APPENDICES

SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT

MEMORY VERSES

To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

SESSION ONE

Group Attendance

SESSION TWO

Safe Environment Respect Differences

To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.) To be gentle and gracious to people with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections” in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

Confidentiality

To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

Encouragement for Growth

To be not just takers but givers of life. We want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our Godgiven gifts.

Shared Ownership

To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

Rotating Hosts/ Leaders and Homes

To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting.

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

SESSION THREE

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. I Peter 4:10

PRAYER & PRAISE REPORTS

SMALL GROUP ROSTER PRAYER request

Session 3

Session 2

Session 1

PRAYER request

SMALL GROUP LEADERS

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads. 1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

2. Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response.

3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion. These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

5. Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead!

6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

7. Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

8. Break up into small groups each week or they won’t stay. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Change Your Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9. Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

10. One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting. Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2-4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

GENEROSITY

for the

G E N E R AT I O N S

The Generosity for the Generations series will be studied altogether by our Adult congregation, Youth Ministry, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry and our Hispanic congregation.

Youth Edition

GENEROSITY

for the

G ENERATIONS

From creating a beautiful world for us to enjoy to sending His Son to die in our place, the heart of God is generosity. He loves to bless us, and as people created in His image we, too, were designed to be generous. However, sometimes we struggle to have God’s perspective on our possessions. In this study, Dr. David Jeremiah shares God’s principles for managing the resources He’s given us and opening our lives to His blessing. Join Dr. Jeremiah and Shadow Mountain Community Church as together they explore Generosity for the Generations!