AY Program Idea: Voice in the Wilderness

Reference: Matthew 3: 1-12

Jesus said, “Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11. What do we know about this solitary man, whom Jesus called the greatest of the prophets?

When John began preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, people came from miles around to hear this powerful, fearless, and humble messenger. In glaring contrast to the religious leaders of the day, his life was marked with holiness and simplicity.

While the priests wore luxurious clothing, John wore a modest garment of camel hair with a leather belt. While they were feasting, John was fasting or eating locusts (carob pods) and wild honey. He refused to drink any wine or strong drink, that he might be filled with the Spirit of God (Luke 1:15). Rather than ornate synagogues, John chose the rivers and rocky valleys as his cathedral for preaching. Soon people were asking, “Could this man be Elijah?”

John did dress like the Old Testament prophet, but he was not Elijah reincarnated. The angel Gabriel had explained to John’s parents before his birth that he would go “in the spirit and power of Elias [the Greek word for “Elijah”] … to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17.

The key to John’s ministry was that he would have the same power of the Holy Spirit as did Elijah to cause a revival among God’s people. His special work was to preach repentance for sin and prepare people for Jesus’ first coming.

The Bible says there will be an entire army of Elijahs and John the Baptists in the last days to do a similar work in preparing the world for Jesus’ second coming. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Malachi 4:5. (See also Joel 2:28-31.)

Activity Questions:

Group 1:

1. What was one secret of John’s Spirit-filled life? Luke 3:16, John 3:30
2. Did John the Baptist read the Scriptures? John 1:23
3. Was John the Baptist willing to witness for Jesus? John 1:29
4. How do we become like John the Baptist?

Group 2:

1. Was the straight preaching of John popular among the political and religious leaders? Luke 7:30, Luke 3:19, 20
2. Does the Bible discourage the wearing of jewelry and fancy clothing? 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3, Isaiah 3:18-21
3. Was there a connection between John’s Spirit-filled life and his simple diet? Luke 1:15
4. How do we become like John the Baptist?

Group 3:

1. What does the Bible say about worldly behavior? James 4:4, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 John 2:15, Romans 12:2
2. What should a Christian choose to think about? Philippians 4:8, Psalm 101:3
3. What type of music will a true Christian enjoy? Psalm 40:3, 1 Samuel 16:23
4. Is dancing good recreation for a Christian? 1 John 2:6, Titus 2:12
5. Will a Christian play the lottery or gamble? 1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Proverbs 28:20

Group 4:

1. What should be the aim of God’s people today? 1 John 3:22, Ecclesiastes 12:13
2. What makes it easy to obey God in the matters of lifestyle discussed in this lesson? John 14:15, 1 John 5:3, Psalm 40:8
3. Why is the Christian life such a high calling? 1 Peter 2:9

Highlights and Conclusion:

The Spirit-filled life of John the Baptist was marked by unusual humility. There was a direct connection between John’s powerful ministry and the complete surrender he had made to the Lord. It was John’s highest joy to point others to Jesus rather than to himself. All he did was designed to bring glory to God’s name.

John quoted from the Old Testament as evidence that he had a solid grasp of the Scriptures. The Bible also tells us that John taught his disciples to fast and to pray often (Matthew 9:14). This is another testimony of his deep love for the Lord. In the same way, through our personal devotions and Bible study, we can come to know and love God and to receive of His Spirit.

By nature, John was a solitary soul (Luke 1:80). Yet he was willing to risk ridicule and even to lay his life on the line in order to point people to Jesus as Saviour of the world. In the same way, those who truly love the Lord today will be willing to set aside fear and convenience to witness for Jesus.

John boldly spoke out against the popular sins of the day that were indulged even by the religious leaders. God’s last-day message of repentance and holiness will also be unpopular among most of the respected political and church leaders, but it will be biblical.

John the Baptist wore simple, modest clothing—a good pattern for Christians to follow. The popular, sexually suggestive fads and fashions of today encourage a great deal of temptation and debt. God does not intend for us to dress in burlap; however, unduly expensive, flamboyant, or ostentatious clothing should not be part of a Christian’s wardrobe.

Although the wearing of jewelry is widely accepted in the world, it has a negative image in the Scriptures. You may not recognize all of the items mentioned in Isaiah 3:18-23, but people in other parts of the world do. Many of these pagan ornaments are now appearing in Western culture, as well.

Christians should completely abstain from all fermented beverages in order to keep their minds clear and to hear God’s Spirit (Proverbs 23:31, 32; Habakkuk 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8).

There is a direct connection between what we eat or drink and our mental clarity, ability to resist temptation, and capacity to distinguish between right and wrong. Everything a Christian does—including what he eats and drinks—should be done to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Lord has called His people today to live exemplary lives as they help others prepare for Jesus’ second coming.

John the Baptist commanded the people to abstain from all violence (Luke 3:14). For us, this would include watching violence as a form of entertainment. Jesus taught that sins of sex and violence originate in the thoughts and attitudes (Matthew 5:22, 28). Therefore, a Christian should avoid any TV programs, videos, or reading material that would encourage impure thoughts.

It is obvious that a great majority of the popular music in the world does not help us spiritually. Instead, it destroys our desire for heavenly things and often strengthens the lower nature. However, music can be a tremendous power for good. When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, the soothing music from David’s harp refreshed him and drove away the evil influence.

Most of the popular contemporary dancing is associated with worldly music and has a very strong sexual emphasis. In almost any situation we should ask, “What would Jesus do?” I think we all agree that our Saviour would not abandon His reason to swing body and limb to the beat of some syncopated rhythm.

Gambling can be just as addictive as many drugs. Some have squandered entire family savings at casinos or on state lottery tickets. Most “get rich quick” schemes are associated with undue risk, unfair prices, and questionable ethics.

A person cannot live any way he wishes and finally be saved in God’s kingdom. This is one reason Jesus came to earth—to give us an example of holy living (1 Peter 2:21).

As ambassadors for Jesus, Christians do indeed have a high calling! John the Baptist helped prepare people for Jesus’ first coming, and God has called His people today to live holy lives as they help others prepare for Jesus’ second coming.

When a person becomes a Christian, he or she is enlisted as an ambassador from a better kingdom. The Bible says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

The dictionary defines an ambassador as “a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a limited length of time.” Ambassadors are just as important in the spiritual realm as they are in the political realm.

Citizens of the kingdom of heaven are not like the citizens of this world. We have been sent into the world to demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is like. Through the Holy Spirit, we become His representatives—to reflect His image in everything, from the way we talk and work to the way we eat and dress.

In other words, when we become part of God’s spiritual kingdom, we should be living demonstrations of the government we represent. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Scriptures say that “we all … are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

We, the Church, are the hands and feet, the eyes and mouth, and yes, even the ears of Jesus in the world today. We are the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:29, 30; Colossians 1:18). Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told us, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”John 20:21.

Every facet of our lives should be a reflection of the life and person of Jesus. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

AY Program Idea: Windows of Heaven

Reference: Genesis 27:1-28

Jacob had never felt so destitute and alone—and it was all because he had been devious and greedy. First Jacob had bribed Esau, his elder twin, into selling his birthright. Then, with his mother’s help, he tricked his blind father, Isaac, into giving him the paternal blessing that rightfully belonged to Esau.

Now Jacob was fleeing from home, partly to escape the murderous threats of his offended brother. He bowed his head and cried when he thought of how all his grasping plans had backfired. Alone in the wilderness, with only a stone for a pillow and a stick for protection, Jacob tried to rest. He wondered if he would ever see his parents again—and if God would forgive him. Exhausted, Jacob drifted off to sleep. Soon he found himself bathed in the brilliant glow of a vivid dream. He saw a blazing light streaming from the open heavens, with a beautiful stairway spanning from the glory above to the earth below. There were countless shimmering angels traveling up and down this ladder.

Then Jacob heard the Lord speak from heaven and promise to bless him in his journey. The Lord also confirmed with Jacob the same covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac. When he awoke, Jacob fell on his knees and made a vow to abandon his greedy ways. He promised, “Of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” Genesis 28:22.

Activity:

Questions:

1. What did the ladder that Jacob saw in his dream represent? John 1:51
2. What is the greatest gift we can give to Jesus? Proverbs 23:26, Mark 7:6
3. What does God do with our tithe? Numbers 18:21, 24, 1 Corinthians 9:13, 14
4. What amazing promise does God make about tithing? Malachi 3:10
5. In addition to my tithe, which belongs to God, what else does He ask of His people? Psalm 96:8, Malachi 3:8
6. What test did Adam and Eve fail that we must pass if we expect to inherit God’s kingdom? Genesis 3:3
7. Why is covetousness so dangerous? Luke 12:34

Highlights and Conclusion:

Jacob saw a ladder that bridged heaven with earth, which symbolized the Son of man. In Malachi 3:10, God says that if we bring all the tithes into the storehouse, He will open for us the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing we can barely receive! Jesus is that blessing.

When Jesus has our hearts, He has everything else too.

Tithe is one-tenth of a person’s income. In fact, the word “tithe” simply means “a tenth.” Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, set an example many years earlier by giving a tithe to God’s priest, Melchizedek.

God asks us to acknowledge that we believe it all belongs to Him by returning a tithe, or 10 percent of our increase.

In the Old Testament, God directed that the tithe be used to support the Levites, who were His ministers. In 1 Corinthians 9:13, God says that just as the priests of old were paid from the tithe of the temple, so gospel ministers today should be paid from tithe given through the church.

The storehouse is the treasury of God’s church. (The Bible margin equates “treasuries” with “storehouses.”) In Malachi 3:10, God refers to the storehouse as “mine house,” which means His church, or temple. Other texts that refer to the storehouse as the temple, or temple treasury, are 1 Chronicles 9:26 (see margin); 2 Chronicles 31:11, 12 (see margin); and Nehemiah 10:37, 38. So it is obvious that the storehouse is God’s church treasury.

Both Abraham and Jacob gave a tenth of their income to God long before Moses’ law was given. Because it predated Sinai, we know that it was not part of the ceremonial law that ended at the cross. The law of tithing is God’s plan for support of the ministry, and it remains in effect today.

Jesus saw that the miserly Pharisees were counting out individual leaves and tiny seeds for tithe instead of taking it to the temple by the bushel. Therefore He rebuked them for being so exact in tithe while failing in judgment, mercy, and faith. He did not condemn them for tithing, but for ignoring the other great principles of Christianity. That is why Jesus said, “These ought ye to have done [speaking of tithing], and not to leave the other undone.”

When we are faithful in tithes and offerings, Jesus becomes our partner in everything we attempt in life.
Are you willing to invite Him to be your partner by returning tithes and giving offerings?

God is saying: “If you are doubtful, try tithing as an experiment. Test Me, and see if I won’t return to you a blessing too vast for you to receive.” Hundreds of thousands of tithepayers will tell you that it is true. You cannot outgive God!

The Lord asks us to give freewill offerings as an expression of our love for Him and our thanksgiving for His blessings.

God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of all the trees of the garden except one—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They were not to eat of that tree or even touch it, else they would die. God did not put an electric fence around the tree. Rather, He kept it where they could reach out and take the fruit. And they did, because they did not trust God.

Today, God gives us all the same test. He says, “You can keep all the money that comes to you, except one tenth. That money is Mine. Don’t take it.” However, He leaves it where we can reach out and take it, if we so desire. But when we do, we repeat the sin of Adam and Eve. God did not need the fruit of the special tree. It was a test of their loyalty. Neither does He need our tithe. He owns everything! It is a test of our love, loyalty, and trust.

Those who are not faithful in tithes and offerings are cursed, and unless they change, they will be shut out of God’s kingdom as thieves.

Covetousness is lethal because our hearts follow our investments. If my focus is on accumulating more and more money, my heart becomes covetous, grasping, and proud. But if my focus is on advancing God’s work, my heart becomes caring, loving, liberal, and humble. Our hearts inevitably follow our treasure. We must never forget that it was Judas’ greed and love for money that led him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

Jesus probably feels much as a parent would whose child steals money from his wallet. Losing the money is not the big thing. Rather, it is the child’s lack of integrity, love, and trust that is deeply disappointing. Surely none of us want to grieve the heart of our Saviour.

Nine-tenths of my income with God’s blessing will go much further than ten-tenths without it. Incidentally, when God opens the windows of heaven, His blessings are not always financial. They may include such things as good health, peace of mind, answered prayers, protection, a close-knit and loving family, physical strength, ability to make wise decisions, a closer walk with Jesus, success in soul-winning, an old car kept running, etc. If we truly love Jesus, giving sacrificially for His work will never be a burden. Rather, it is a blessing—a glorious privilege that we will perform with great joy and satisfaction.