A Catholic Bible Study, Fr Michael Shields of The Heart of Jesus

A catholic bible study, Fr Michael Shields of The Heart of Jesus, The Catholic Parish of the nativity of Jesus, Magadan Catholic

A light for my feet and a lamp for my path

A catholic bible study

Suggestions for a good bible study

Read over the study and become familiar with its contents.

Answer the questions yourself if you are to be the leader

Find the scriptures in your bible so you are familiar with where the verses are.

Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit to begin a bible study in your parish.

Principles of the bible study:

*A bible study is not a theological discussion group, there are not experts that have all the answers. A bible study group is for spiritual growth and no matter who you are you can share from your life.

*A bible group show be a place for anyone to feel comfortable about sharing and not a place for arguments or heated discussions.  If a problem arises simply suggest that the discussion would be better outside the group and return to your focus.

*A bible study group is not  place to make your point or try and change the life of another. Everyone is there to  hear and share on Gods word and everyone can find a place of conversion and encouragement.

Make a concrete plan: 1) choose a day of the week most convenient for people. It maybe convenient to begin a bible study after Sunday mass.   Or maybe another evening or day time. You could have a bible study for moms with kids during the day. You could have a bible study for teens. You could have a bible study for adults  on a Saturday or Friday night. 

2)Choose a season of the year ie Lent or Advent or summer time and announce a beginning  and when the bible study will end.  You might want to do a  4 week bible study and choose from the contents four interesting topics. You might want  to do a bible study and  just do each lesson one after another. The important part is to choose and beginning and when the bible study will end.

3)Invite a group to gather for an hour or an hour and a half bible study.  Maybe have tea and some sweets to show hospitality to each other. Have one person each week responsible for bringing these to the bible study.

4)Simple format a)Begin with welcome a song and a prayer to the Holy Spirit or the Blessed Mother or simple the Our Father to guide the bible study.

                               b) Have bibles and other material ready to use and begin to read the verses of the scripture.  Have different people read from the bible so all can participate.

                               c) answer the discussion questions together.  Be sure as a leader you don’t dominate. Allow for time for as many to answer the questions as possible.  Some people take time to think about a question so allow for some quiet time for people to answer the questions. Some people think better if they write down their answer so have pen and paper available for all. Let people speak even if they might go off topic alittle.  If one person goes off topic too much simply remind the person of the question. If there are not or little discussions on one questions go to the next. Do be in a hurry though to answer all the questions if the discussion is good stay with the discussion.  Notice the time and make sure you stay to the  the time assigned and when it is 10 minutes to the end make mention that we have 10 minutes to finish our discussion.

Note: Some people find it easy to talk publicly others find it difficult. The object of bible sharing is for all to feel like they are included. Allow for time for all to share it they want but no one is required to share all the time.  Ask for reactions from those who are more silent to encourage their sharing. Ask others who might speak more to help others but simply asking questions for others to answer. 

                                d)end with pray tanking God what you shared and learned  and ask if there are any needs we could pray for . Simple pray these prayers for each other.  Ask the group to pray for each other during the week and come next week with any ways the bible study has affected their daily life.

                                e) Invite others to attend the bible study if they are interested. Always have an open group ready to welcome new members.

           

Table of Contents

Introduction

LESSON ONE Who Do You Say That I Am?

LESSON TWOThe Amazing Character of God

LESSON THREE Lord, Teach Us to Pray

LESSON FOUR The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

LESSON FIVE The Gifts of the Holy Spirit .

LESSON SIX Jesus is Born—The First Coming .

LESSON SEVENJ esus is Coming Again—Be Ready

LESSON EIGHT The Reality of Heaven and Hell

LESSON NINE Satan and Spiritual Warfare

LESSON TENHow God Defines Love

LESSON ELEVENGod’s Gift of Sexuality

LESSON TWELVEGod’s Command to Obey

LESSON THIRTEENGod’s Order for the Family

LESSON FOURTEENYour Relationship With Your Parents

LESSON FIFTEENRight to Choose vs. Right to Life

LESSON SIXTEENContentment

LESSON SEVENTEEN The Real Meaning of Good Self Esteem

LESSON EIGHTEEN Controlling the Tongue

LESSON NINETEEN Dealing With Disappointment

LESSON TWENTY Unforgiveness—Recipe for Bitterness

INTRODUCTION

God wants everyone to come to know and love Him. The Scriptures reveal a great deal about Our Lord—His plan for our salvation, details about His character, and what He expects of those who wish to follow Him. In other words, God’s Word is a glimpse into the mind of our Creator!

This Bible study was written with consideration for the problems and challenges we face today. Because the Bible is inspired by God, and therefore timeless, it is as relevant today as the day it was written, and the principles apply to our modern age.

Hopefully, after completing this study, the students will not only be more familiar with the Scriptures and will have learned the importance of applying them to their daily lives, but will also see the need to begin a closer, more personal walk with the One who gave His life that we might have the hope of eternal life

LESSON ONE

WHO DO YOUSAY THAT I AM?

In order to love someone, we must first get to know him or her. The Scriptures tell us who God is and how He thinks. Jesus wants to be the most important person in your life. It is natural to want to spend time with those we love. The following study will help you determine where God fits in your life.

READ

1.  Who did some people think Jesus was while He was on earth? (Matthew 16: 13–14)

2.  What did Peter say he believed about Jesus? (Matthew 16:16)

3.  Who revealed to Peter the identity of Jesus? (Matthew 16:17)

4.  To some, Jesus is no more than a historical figure. To others, He is truly “the way, the truth, and the life.” Look up the following Scriptures and write what Jesus wants to be to you.

John 3:16

John 10:11

John 13:15

J John 14:14

John 15:5

John 15:13–17

5.  Many times we say we love Jesus, but our actions do not reflect this. What do you think it means to give God “lip service?” (Isaiah 29:13)

6.  How can we prove our love for Jesus? (John 14:15)

REFLECT

1.  Write a few sentences describing your relationship with Jesus.

2.  On a scale of 1 to 10, what place does He have in your life at this time? Explain.

RESPOND

1.  Set a time aside each day for prayer. Pick a quiet place and try to make this a priority in your daily schedule.

2.  Go to daily Mass whenever possible. Mass is the perfect prayer, and we should try to go beyond our Sunday obligation.

3.  Try to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation once a month John 14:6

Memory Scripture John 14;15 if you love me you will keep my commandments

LESSON TWO

THE AMAZING CHARACTER OF GOD

When we meditate on the Scriptures, we get a glimpse into the heart and mind of God. The Bible tells us that if we seek God, we will find Him. As you give thought to the next study, consider the awesome character of the Creator of the Universe!

READ

1.  God is love: How deep is God’s love for us? (Jeremiah 31:3)

2.  God is supreme: What does Psalm 95:3 say about God?

3.  God is all-powerful: What were the Angel Gabriel’s words to Mary? (Luke 1:37)

4.  God knows everything: What does Hebrews 4:13 say about God’s knowledge?

5.  God is wise: What did Daniel say about God’s wisdom? (Daniel 2:20)

6.  God is everywhere: How did King David describe God’s omnipresence? (1 Kings 8:27)

7.  God is unchanging: In a world where things are constantly changing, what is one thing we can count on? (Malachi 3:6)

8.  God is faithful: What do we learn about God’s faithfulness in Deuteronomy 7:9

9.  God is holy: When we consider holy people what must we remember? (Revelations 15:4)

10.  God is just: What does God’s justice come against? (Romans 1:18)

REFLECT

1.  At what times do you think we are most apt to doubt God’s love for us?

2.  Since God spoke the universe into existence, how should this affect how we see Him?

RESPOND

1.  If you have a habit of taking God’s name in vain, stop today.

2.  The next time you receive Communion, remember God is in your mouth

Memory verse Ps.33;8  Let all the earth fear the Lord

LESSON THREE

LORD,TEACH US TO PRAY

Conversation is one of the most important components of a relationship. Prayer is the vehicle we use to speak to God and He with us. Since He often speaks in a still, small voice, it is important that we listen carefully. God wants to speak to you. Will you give Him an attentive ear?

READ

1.  When Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, what was His response? (Luke 11:1–4)

2.  What should we keep in mind when we are making requests of the Lord? (1 John 5:14–15)

3.  How often should we pray? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

4.  Which of your activities can be considered a prayer? (Colossians 3:17)

5.  What do the Scriptures say are some reasons for unanswered prayer? (James 4:3, Sirach 3:5, Matthew 6: 5–7, 1 John 1:8–10)

REFLECT

1.  What are some ways God has answered your prayers in the way you had hoped?

2.  Have there been times when you asked God for things that you knew in your heart would not be His will for you? Explain

3.  How do you think prayer and reading the Scriptures could help you determine God’s will for your life?

4.  Tell about a time when you felt God did not answer your prayer.

RESPOND

1.  Try using the following as a guideline (ACTS) for prayer:

Adore God, praise Him.Confess your sins to Him in prayer.Thank God for all that He’s done for you.Supplication (requests). Remember others in prayer.

2.  Pray for God’s will in your life.

3.  Pray for your enemies

Memory verse Luke 11;1 Lord teach us to pray

LESSON FOUR

THE FRUITOF THE HOLY SPIRIT

You recognize the value of a tree by the fruit it bears (see Mt. 7:17–19). The fruit of a person’s spiritual life is manifested by his or her actions.

It is the Holy Spirit, working in the person’s life that makes this possible. When we were baptized, we received the Holy Spirit for the first time and our parents claimed us for Christ and the Church. When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the sacrament completes the baptismal grace. We then have a greater obligation to spread the faith and defend it against attack (CCC 1285).

READ

1.  Who is the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 28:19)

2.  What is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit? (John 14:26)

3.  Jesus said people would know Christians by their fruit. What did He mean? (Matthew 7:16)

4.  Name the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22–23)

5.  Read the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6–9). What do you think the story is telling Christians?

REFLECT

1.  Can people tell by your actions, speech, and the way you dress that you belong to Jesus?

2.  List some good fruits you are displaying at this time.

3.  Is there any bad fruit you think the Lord might want to prune away from your character? Write down one thing you think He might want to change.

RESPOND

1.  Pray this prayer every day:

Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I might seek, know, and obey the teachings of the Catholic Church. Help me to be steadfast in living out my baptismal promise to avoid what is evil and seek what is holy, and give me the gift of courage, that I might boldly share my faith with others to further the Kingdom of God.

Amen.

2.  Confess your serious faults in Reconciliation

Memory verse Galatians 5;22-23

LESSON FIVE

THE GIFTSOF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Courage,Judgment, Piety, Fear of the Lord

As members of the Body of Christ, we are given certain gifts that enable us to become fruitful Christians. If someone gave you a gift, wouldn’t you open it immediately? The spiritual gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit must also be unwrapped and used. The following study will help you understand the importance of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and also make you more aware of the need for them in your daily life.

READ

1.  If we lack wisdom, what must we do? (James 1:5)

2.  What do wise people do? (Proverbs 10:14)

3.  What did King Solomon ask of God? (1 Kings 3:9)

4.  What was Jesus’ warning to us as Christians? (John 16:33)

5.  Why do we need the Gift of Judgment? (Ephesians 5:17)

6.  What does God demand of His children? (1 Peter 1:14–16)

7.  What is the advantage of having reverence or fear of the Lord? (Proverbs 19:23

REFLECT

1.  After studying the above Scriptures, what do you think is the greatest reason for a Christian to have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

2.  Which of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit would you most desire? Why?

3.  How important is good judgment in the life of a teenager today? Explain your answer.

RESPOND

1.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will show you the importance of His gifts in your life.

2.  Remember that a Christian who tries to go through life without the power of the Holy Spirit is like buying a new car and pushing it instead of filling it up with gas!

3.  When it comes to courage, remember that the Apostles were afraid before Pentecost and bold after they were filled by the Holy Spirit

Memory verse Gifts of the holy spirit

Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Courage,Judgment, Piety, Fear of the Lord

LESSON SIX

JESUS IS BORN—THE FIRST COMING

The miracle of the Incarnation occurred when God took on the flesh of man. It is the most remarkable event to have ever taken place. Our Lady said “yes” to God even through she didn’t fully understand all of the details. Mary and Joseph trusted God with their lives. As you study this lesson, try to think of some ways to make Christmas “real” in your heart.

READ

1.  What are three reasons why Mary would have been confused and even fearful upon hearing the angel’s news that she would be the mother of Jesus? (Luke 1: 29, Matthew 1:18–19, Deuteronomy 22:23–24)

2.  What was Mary’s response to the angel of the Lord, in spite of her confusion? (Luke 1:38)

3.  What are some details in Scripture that indicate that Joseph and Mary were poor? (Leviticus 12:8, Luke 2:24, Luke 2:7)

4.  What do the Scriptures say about the act of giving? (Acts 20:35)

5.  What are some ways we can prepare spiritually for Christmas? (1 John 1:9, Matthew 5:42, Colossians 4:2)

6.  What was the primary purpose for Jesus, who is God, to become man? (John 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10)

REFLECT

1.       Why do you think Our Lady was able to say “yes” to God, even though she was afraid

2.       2.  In what ways do you think Christmas has become commercialized? Why is this contrary to the real meaning of Christmas?

3.       3.  What is the greatest gift you could give your family?

4.       RESPOND

5.       1.  Go to Confession during advent.

6.       2.  Help your parents with shopping, cleaning, wrapping presents, or other tasks.

7.       3.  Give a portion of your allowance to the poor

Memory verse Luke 2;14

LESSON SEVEN JESUS ISCOMING AGAIN—BE READY!

Those who love God should have no fear of the Second Coming. The Church teaches that we do not know when or how Jesus will come again, only that He will. The Scriptures warn us to be prepared. God is merciful and forgiving and wants all people to be saved. It is important to live a holy life, but when we sin, we know that the sacrament of Reconciliation restores our union with God.

READ

1.  When will Jesus come again? (Matthew 24:36–44)

2.  Will we have warnings so we can be ready? (Mark 13:1–37)

3.  What advice does Paul give us in 2 Timothy 4:1–5?

4.  Jesus came as a helpless baby the first time. How will He come the second time? (Revelations 19:11–16)

5.  How are we to help prepare the world for the Second Coming? (Matthew 28: 19–20)

REFLECT

1.  In what ways are you the hands, feet, and mouth of Jesus?

2.  What are some things you could be doing to prepare your own soul for judgment?

3.  In what state is your soul at this time?

RESPOND

1.  Start a Bible study or prayer group at school.

2.  Ask the Holy Spirit for opportunities to share your faith this week.

3.  Resolve to live every day as if it were your last

Memory verse Matt. 28;19

LESSON EIGHT THE REALITYOF HEAVEN AND HELL

For a young person, it is natural to assume that there is much time to think about eternity. However, no one knows when he will die. Think of being prepared  for a trip. Adults plan for retirement because they know they will one day grow old. The same could be said about death. We know we will one day die. The good news is that we have the opportunity to choose where we will spend eternity.

READ

1.  What are some things the Scriptures tell us about Heaven? (John 14:2–3, Luke 10:20, Luke 16:22–26, 1 Corinthians 2:9)

2.  What do the Scriptures say we must do in order to reach Heaven? (Matthew 7:21, Deuteronomy 6:5, John 15:12)

3.  What does God tell us in His Word about Hell? (Matthew 13:41–42, Mark 9:43–44)

4.  Read Luke 16:19–31. Why did the rich man go to Hell?

REFLECT

1.  Do you think many people fail to think about where they will spend eternity? Explain your answer.

2.  Many people feel frustrated about trying to live a holy life in our modern world. What are your thoughts on this problem?

3.  “Quo Vadis?” (Where are you going?) Do you have confidence about reaching Heaven? Why or why not?

RESPOND

1.  Make a good examination of conscience and go to confession, and decide to get rid of one bad habit this school year. Do something positive to take the place of the bad habit.

2.  Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a reverence for God’s justice and an understanding of His love and mercy.

3.  Ask God for an opportunity to share your faith with someone who you know may be searching for Him

Memory verse Matt.7;13-14

LESSON NINE

SATAN ANDSPIRITUAL WARFARE

The Scriptures tell us that Satan is our enemy. We are no match for him, but God is more powerful. Our Lord provides protection for us against Satan’s tactics. The Church teaches that we must avoid the occasions of sin. This means we must be careful not to put ourselves in compromising situations. We must use our will and our Catholic training to make wise decisions in regard to friends, activities, and entertainment.

READ

1.  Is Satan real or imaginary? (John 8:43–44)

2.  Who is our enemy? (1 Peter 5:8)

3.  Is Satan more powerful than God? (1 John 4:1–6)

4.  What are our weapons against Satan? (Ephesians 6:13–18)

5.  Why should we guard against activities and/or entertainment that have to do with Satan or the occult? (1 Timothy 4:1 and Deuteronomy 18:10–14)

6.  What are we to allow into our minds? (Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 101:3)

REFLECT

1.       Think about your entertainment. Do you think you may be compromising your morals?

2.  Do you think Satan is influencing people today and that he is having an effect on society? Why or why not?

3.  Do you think most young people are aware that Satan wants to influence their thinking? Explain.

RESPOND

1.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where Satan may be influencing your thinking in regard to truthfulness, purity of mind, obedience, kindness, etc.

2.  Receive the Eucharist often, pray regularly, and go to Confession often. These are great protections against the devil.

3.  Pray this prayer every day:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.Amen.

Memory verse 1 Peter 5;8

LESSON TEN HOW GOD DEFINES LOVE

Genuine love is sacrificial. In other words, if we are concerned about the feelings and needs of the one we love, we would never ask him to do something that would cause him harm. God loves mankind perfectly. When we put God first and love as He loves, we become capable of loving more perfectly.

READ

1.  Write out 1 Corinthians 13:4–8

2.  How will people know that we are Christians? (John 13:35)

3.  How did Jesus prove His love for us? (John 3:16)

4.  How can we prove our love for Jesus? (John 14:15)

5.  What should be our attitude toward those we love? (Philippians 2:3–4)

REFLECT

1.  Give an example of how a person can “love” unselfishly.

2.  Describe a situation when getting your own way took priority over what was best for someone else.

3.  How would you define “tough love?”

RESPOND

1.  This week, go out of your way to do kindnesses for those around you.

2.  Remember to never ask another person to compromise his or her values.

3.  Write a note or give a small gift to someone to express your love for them

Memory verse John 15;13

LESSON ELEVEN GOD'S GIFTOF SEXUALITY

God created man in His image. He knows what is best for us and also what is harmful. God created sex for marriage because when two people experience this beautiful gift from God, they become one flesh. When people misuse God’s gift of sexuality, they not only sin against God and themselves but also against the other person.

READ

1.  In 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, what does God tell us about our bodies?

2.  What do the Scriptures say about the temptations we face in life? (1 Corinthians 10:13)

3.  How does God explain the difference between sins of immorality and other sins? (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

4.  How do you think applying Philippians 2:3–4 would affect your dating relationships?

5.  What does God ask of young people in 2 Timothy 2:22?

6.  What was God’s perfect plan for human sexuality? (Genesis 2:24)

7.  What did Jesus say to the woman in John 8:11?

8.  In 1 John 1:9, what does God tell us about confessing any sin?

REFLECT

1.  What are several qualities that you feel are necessary for a loving relationship?

2.  What are come negative consequences that may result from misusing God’s gift of sexuality?

3.  Do you think it’s possible to love someone you have just recently met? Explain your answer.

RESPOND

1.  Decide today to remain pure  whether you are married or not

2.  Pray for your ( future) spouse .  Pray for marriages in your parish.

3.  Ask the Holy Spirit for grace and discernment in choosing your vocation, whether single, married, or religious, or to iive with joy your present vocation that God has given you.

Memory verse 1 Thess. 4;3

LESSON TWELVE

GOD’S COMMANDTO OBEY

God’s protection lies in our obedience to Him. Some may think that if we obey God, the exciting things in life will somehow pass us by. The opposite is true! When we step out from under God’s protection, we open ourselves up to numerous dangers.

READ

1.  What was God’s warning to Adam? (Genesis 2:16–17)

2.  What did God ask of Abraham? (Genesis 22:1–14)

3.  Describe Jonah’s response to God. (Jonah 1:1–17, Jonah 2:1–2 and 10, Jonah 3:1–3)

4.  When we disobey and get caught, what is a common human reaction? (Genesis 3:12–13)

5.  What do the Scriptures say about consequences to poor decision-making? (Galatians 6:7)

REFLECT

1.  Think of a time when you were disobedient. Was there a lack of peace in your heart and mind? Explain.

2.  Would God ask you to obey if it were impossible? Why or why not?

3.  Why should being obedient be considered an act of courage?

4.  Do you think you can find your own identity a without authority? Explain your answer.

RESPOND

1.  Think of one  law that you have not obeyed and begin today to comply to it ( not crossing the street illegally, etc.)

2.  When someone in authority makes a request of you, do it right away. Remember that delayed obedience is disobedience.

3.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how your disobedience is influencing and affecting other people.

Memory verse Proverbs 8;33

LESSON THIRTEEN GOD'S ORDERFOR THE FAMILY

One need only look at nature to see that order is important to God. As a child of God, each person plays an important role in family life, both your blood family and spiritual family in the parish.  It is important for you to realize that you have much to contribute to your family in order to make it more complete. If you have no family or you are single think of the spiritual family.

READ

1.  How does God see men and women? (Galatians 3:26–28)

2.  Who did God place as head of the family? (Ephesians 5:23)

3.  How does God want men to love their wives? (Ephesians 5:25)

4.  What is God’s command to parents? (Proverbs 22:6)

5.  What is the responsibility of children toward their parents? (Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1)

6.  What does God warn parents about in Ephesians 6:4?

REFLECT

1.  Read Proverbs 31:10–31 and describe, in your own words, this woman.

2.  Many people feel distanced from their parents. What do you think are some reasons for this?

3.  What are some things you could do to improve your relationship with your parents and siblings members of you parish family?

4.  In what ways do you honor your Mom and Dad? Your spiritual father in the priest? Your brothers and sisters in the parish?

RESPOND

1.  Pray each day that God will protect and bless your family. And all families in the parish.

2.  Decide to do something difficult with love for someone today.

3.  Make a resolution  to pray for the gift of obedience and act with a will given to God.

Memory verse Proverbs 6;20

LESSON FOURTEEN

YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH YOUR PARENTS and or authority  in general

(note: this lesson is especially for young people but if you are a parent or single reflect on your relationship with your parents.  Look around and reflect on what you see positive or negative in society today connected to being a parent. Do you think being a parent is an important call?)

The Fourth Commandment tells us that we must honor our parents. We do not honor them because they are perfect but because God tells us to do so. Since all humans are fallible, no person is perfect—whether parent or child. If you think of your parents as people with feelings and needs and ask what you can give rather than what you can receive, your relationship with them will improve in ways you cannot imagine. Think of yourself either as a parent or look around at other parents when your pray about this scripture teaching.

READ

1.  What does the Fourth Commandment require of you? (Exodus 20:12)

2.  Even though Jesus was God, what do the Scriptures say about His relationship with His earthly parents? (Luke 2:51)

3.  Do you think you can expect God to bless you if you are being consistently disobedient to your parents? (2 Timothy 3:1–5)

4.  Are there times when it is acceptable to disobey your parents? (Acts 5:29)

5.  What are some benefits of honoring and obeying your parents? (Sirach 3:1–15)

REFLECT

1.  What actions could you change to improve your relationship with your parents?

2.  Are there times when you try to irritate your parents? Have you considered what your motivation might be

3.  In your family, do you feel you’re doing your part to help out at home? Explain.

RESPOND

1.  When you disagree with your parents, pray before you speak.

2.  Try to see things from their point of view.

3.  Pray for your parents everyday

Memory verse Exodus 20;12

LESSON FIFTEEN RIGHT TO CHOOSEVS. RIGHT TO LIFE

Since life is a gift from God, He is the only one who can give or take it away. God has a plan for every person, no matter how young or how old. God’s ways are not man’s ways. We cannot always trust our emotions, so we must rely on the teachings of the Church in matters of faith and morals. We must remember that the Holy Spirit guides her.

READ

1.  What do the Scriptures say about the unborn? (Psalm 139:13–16, Luke 1:41)

2.  Read in Isaiah 55: 8–9 about God’s thinking compared to man’s thinking.

3.  Often, people are convinced a decision is right until they experience the consequences of their decision. What does God’s Word say about this problem? (Proverbs 14:12)

4.  Why must we turn to God’s wisdom in difficult situations? (Proverbs 3:5–6 and Jeremiah 33:3)

5.  What are some other considerations in decision-making? (Philippians 2:3–4)

REFLECT

1.  How would you advise a friend considering an abortion?

2.  Why do many young people keep their parents out of their decision-making when they are in trouble?

3.  When should you refer a friend to a priest or another adult?

RESPOND

1.  Consider getting involved in pro-life . Pray for women who have had abortions and for women to choose not to have an abortion. Read about the church’s teaching in the catechism about the gift and sacredness of life.

2.  Pray that mothers who have aborted their children will become reconciled with God.

3.  Pray that abortionists will have a change of heart.

4.  Pray every day for the end to abortion

Memory verse Ps. 139;13

LESSON SIXTEEN CONTENTMENT

We must always try to be all that God has called us to be. Some people confuse a person who is content with one who is dull or lacks ambition. Those who are content work hard to attain their dreams and goals but do not long for that which does not belong to them. We should seek contentment because with it comes peace of mind.

READ

1.  Many people think they would be happy if their circumstances were different. What does the Bible say? (Philippians 4:11–12)

2.  What did Jesus say about material wealth? (Matthew 6:19–24)

3.  What do the Scriptures say about enjoying what the world has to offer? (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

4.  Read Luke 16:19–31. What was the rich man’s sin?

5.  What are the two things with which the Scriptures say we should be content? (1 Timothy 6:8)

REFLECT

1.  Do you think there is anything in the world that would make you completely happy? Explain your answer.

2.  Think of a time when you achieved a certain goal and felt somewhat letdown afterwards. Discuss.

3.  Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there is your heart” (Matthew 6:21). What do you th 4.  What do you think the difference is between contentment and complacency?

RESPOND

1.  Ask God to help you be content with what your parents can provide.

2.  God does not make junk. You have the features, body, and intellect that God planned for you. He has a marvelous plan for your life. Be glad you’re you.

3.  Decide not to complain for one whole day

Memry verse 1Thess. 5;18

LESSON SEVENTEEN THE REAL MEANINGOF GOOD SELF ESTEEM

There are those who think that in order for people to feel good about themselves, they must receive constant compliments and encouragement. As believers, we know that if we do what is right, whether or not it is easy or popular, we will be confident and peaceful people.

READ

1.  After reading 1 Samuel 16:7, describe how God sees you.

2.  How precious are you to God? (Isaiah 49: 15–16)

3.  What does Luke 12:7 say about how unique you are to God?

4.  When God disciplines us, what should we keep in mind? (Hebrews 12:6)

5.  What is the ultimate proof of how important you are to God (John 3:16)? (Put your own name in place of the pronouns in this Scripture. For example, “For God so loved Linda …”)

REFLECT

1.  List some good qualities with which God has blessed you.

2.  How do you think most people evaluate their worth?

3.  What do you think people like most about you?

4.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

RESPOND

1.  Think about how you can use the gifts and abilities that God has given you so as to glorify Him this week.

2.  When you are dissatisfied with yourself (physically, mentally, and emotionally) you are telling God that He made a mistake. Read Psalm 139:14 and meditate on your worth in God’s eyes.

3.  If you are unsure of your talents, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you through circumstances and other people

Memory verse Ps.139;14

LESSON EIGHTEEN

CONTROLLINGTHE TONGUE

The expression “think before you speak” is a wise saying! We must always remember that we cannot take back our words. If we had to choose between two extremes, it would be better to say too little than too much.

READ

1.  What does God say about our thoughts and words in Psalm 19:15?

2.  What is one of the advantages of being careful about what we say? (Proverbs 21:23)

3.  To what does the Book of James compare the tongue? (James 3:3–5)

4.  In James 1:19, God tells us to be ___________ to hear, ___________ to speak and ___________ to become angry.

5.  What does the Bible say about lying? (Proverbs 19: 5, 9)

6.  Why should we not repeat gossip? (Proverbs 16:28)

REFLECT

1.       In the last twenty-four hours, have there been times when you have spoken when you should have been quiet? Have there been times when you should have spoken up but chose not to? Describe.

2.  What are some reasons, in your opinion, why people speak before they think?

3.  Most people believe that lying is wrong. Why do you think so many people lie?

RESPOND

1.  This week, if you have an occasion to lie or tell a half-truth, pray before you speak.

2.  Decide to be quiet if you can’t say something positive or kind.

3.  Remember that the gossip you repeat can never be taken back.

Memory verse Ps. 141;3

LESSON NINTEEN

DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

Life is often difficult but Jesus promises that He will be with us through the storms of life. We must remember that adversity produces good and strong characters. We can say with courage and confidence that God causes everything to turn out for good.

READ

1.  Describe, in your own words, the meaning of John 16:33.

2.  Paul asked God to remove a difficulty from his life. What was God’s response? (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

3.  When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was suffering terribly. What did He say to His Heavenly Father (Matthew 26:39)?

4.  What do the following Scriptures say about suffering?

2 Corinthians 7:10

Romans 8:28

1 Corinthians 10:

Ecclesiastes 7

Philippians 1:29

Hebrews 12:11

James 1:2–3

REFLECT

1.  What are some common ways that people respond when they don’t get their way?

2.  What would you say to someone who complains that life isn’t fair?

3.  What are some things you have learned from your disappointments?

RESPOND

1.  Stop wishing it were yesterday or tomorrow. Enjoy today!

2.  Follow through on commitments this week so that you won’t be a source of disappointment to others.

3.  Pray for the grace to offer up the pain and sacrifices of your life for Jesus’ sake

Memory verse  Philippians 2;14

LESSON TWENTY UNFORGIVENESS—RECIPE FOR BITTERNESS

Those who carry grudges look at the mistakes and failures of others and ignore their own faults. If we are constantly aware of our own sinfulness and weakness, we will be less apt to dwell on the flaws of others.

READ

1.  How many times should we forgive those who have hurt us? (Matthew 18:21–22)

2.  What does Jesus say will happen if we don’t forgive others? (Matthew 6:15)

3.  How are we to see the faults of others? (Matthew 7:3–5)

4.  What do the Scriptures say in regard to how we treat those who are unkind toward us? (Luke 6:32–35)

5.  What did Jesus say about those who were crucifying Him? (Luke 23:34)

6.  What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 5:44?

REFLECT

1.  Are you holding a grudge against anyone?

2.  Who do you think unforgiveness hurts the most? Explain your answer.

3.  What are some reasons people give to excuse their unforgiveness towards others?

RESPOND

1.  Confess your sins of bitterness and anger in Reconciliation.

2.  Think of someone who you are angry with and be the first to begin reconciliation.

3.  Remember, the only person you can change is yourself!

Memory verse Matt. 6;15                                      

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