Discussion for Lesson 8: A Different Way to Live

Lesson 8: A Different Way to Live

Opening
After reading Col 3:1-4, ask each participant: What are your short-, medium- & long-term goals in life?
--> You would note a general trend towards goals regarding money/family/career
--> Point out if anyone mentioned spiritual goals, and lead on to the biblical concept of our lives on earth as temporal.

Main Direction
As Christians, we
1) Are Stewards of God
2) Are required to delay gratification
3) can be motivated because we are certain of their rewards


Stewards of God

Stewardship is a concept specifically describing our responsibilities to God for our abilities and talents in the light of His 2nd Coming

Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given, much more will be demanded
Matthew 25:14-30 - We are given talents differently, but rewarded/judged in proportion to our talents

Concluding note for Stewards: 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.


Delayed Gratification
Ask around for their definition/understanding of Delayed Gratification.

Give example:
Kid left in room with 1 cookie. Promise him a big bag of chocolate eggs if he doesn't eat it before you return in 5 minutes time.

Even science has proven its benefits
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-8542525.html
Preschoolers who were able to delay short-term gratification for long-term gain were found to be more socially and scholastically advanced than their peers 10 years later, according to Walter Mischel of the Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, and colleagues.
Reviewing several research programs, they found that 4-year-old children from the Stanford University community, who delayed gratification in certain laboratory experiments, "developed into more cognitively and socially competent adolescents,
(Other ref: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/244/4907/933)

--> Point out that our Earthly life is like the cookie (temporary, insignificant) and our Eternal life is like the box of chocolate eggs (more significant, worth investing in)

Bible Example: Moses (Heb 11:24-29)
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

Give real life examples:
a) Steroids for body builders/cyclists – Short term glory, but disgrace when found out
b) Buying a Degree from an unaccredited University – Getting the job, but having no skills to perform it

Discussion:
Q: How is a Christian focusing his/her efforts on earthly gains like the steroid using sportsman?

Concluding note for Delayed Gratification: We all shall be facing Christ on the Judgment Seat

Concluding Word:
Unlike ponzi or other investment schemes, the guarantor of our rewards (glory) is Christ, see v4

Schedule for "Equipped for Life"

Date.................Lesson

12 July 09......... 8

19 July 09..........QBM

26 July 09..........9

1 Aug 09............10

8 Aug 09............11

15 Aug 09..........12

22 Aug 09..........13

29 Aug 09..........Open Sunday (Teacher's Day)

6 Sep 09............Catch up

13 Sep 09..........Catch up

20 Sep 09..........BFC Anniversary Celebration

27 Sep 09..........Open Sunday

4 Oct 09............Commence “Praying Effectively for the Lost”