What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Remember a time of intense peer pressure. What issue were you dealing with? Did you “cave” or “hold firm” on your convictions? Were you on God’s team or the world’s team in this struggle? Share only what you wish.
2. Read Daniel 3:12-15. (If you prefer, read all of Daniel, chapter 3 before class for a more complete understanding.) What caused the trouble for the three young men? What attitudes brought that about? Have you ever experienced this type of conflict, motivated by these attitudes? How did they—how should we—respond?
3. True obedience reveals true priorities. Read Daniel 3:16-18. When we obey, we display our God and our relationship with Him. How we live our lives helps others to see Him and understand Him. What did these three men reveal about their priorities and their God?
4. Final Thought: True obedience requires commitment. We were challenged to spend 28 days in the book of Matthew, looking at the very words and actions of Jesus. Then we were challenged to live out our faith by doing what Jesus did. Will you take this challenge?
Deeper
True obedience is not rude or arrogant. Honor and respect are core aspects of obedience to God and to others in authority over us. Check out these biblical examples for specific ways to obey God in how we treat others.
5. Read Genesis 6:9-13, 22. What values differed between Noah and the rest of the people on earth at that time? How was Noah still able to walk so closely with God while everyone around him was corrupted? Today, when you see people walking away from God, when they are trying to pull you down the same path, how will you act and react?
6. There are a few father/son relationships and parables in the Bible, but none as well known as the Prodigal Son. Read Luke 15:11-24. After the son ran away with his father’s property and began to throw away everything his father had given him, what happened? What should have the son deserved for his desertion and sin? How was that different from how the father acted? How did the father pass on his values to his son? How can we begin to show love and compassion to someone who has disrespected us?
7. Read 1 Peter 2:17-19. What does Peter mean when he says, “show proper respect to everyone” or “honor everyone”? How are you supposed to show respect to someone who a) you feel hasn’t earned it or b) doesn’t give the same honor back to you? Why is that so important? Who is one person you need to give more respect to in order to obey God and so that they can better see the love of Jesus through you?