Lesson 6, July 30 - August 5
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: John 16:5-15; Colossians 1:28, 29; 1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 5:29; Genesis 32.
Memory Text: “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:29
A man and woman sat together on a talk show. Both had experienced the murder of a child. The woman’s son had been murdered 20 years before, and her anger and bitterness were as great as ever. The man was totally different. His daughter had been murdered by terrorists a few years earlier. He spoke about forgiveness toward the killers and about how God had transformed his hurt. However terrible the pain, this man had become an illustration of how God can bring healing to the darkest moments of our lives.
How can two people respond so differently? How does spiritual change occur in the life of a Christian, enabling that individual to mature through life’s crucibles rather than being completely overwhelmed by them?
The Week at a Glance: What is the role of our wills, and willpower, in the battle with self and sin? How can we avoid the mistake of letting our feelings rule the decisions we make? Why must we persevere and not give up when in the crucible?
