Shaw & Polly Fulton

Scripture

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2

LESSON:

Our lesson this week is based on Shaw and Polly’s favorite verses. Polly’s favorite verse is John 3:16. It is really cool that she shares her favorite verse with her granddaughter, Hollee Hunter.

It’s amazing when we ponder how much God loves us. God created us. Instead of offering His Son for our sins, God could have destroyed us. He could have undone His creation. Because of our sin, God would have been just if He decided to do such a thing. Paul wrote, “While we were sinners, Christ died for us.” God didn’t send His Son into this world because we were righteous. He sent His Son into this world because we were condemned. We needed something we could not provide for ourselves.

Jesus was the holy gift man needed. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to take away our sin. And God loved us so much He offered His Son for our mistakes.

What does God want for you? Eternal life. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it. Life with no end. Outside of God, we don’t experience things or people in the flesh which have no end. Eternal life is God’s plan for you. How much is God’s gift worth? What do you place on a higher priority? Would you trade God’s gift for a million dollars? for a billion dollars? For success? Or power?

Any of those things pale in comparison to what God has for store for you in Jesus.

1. Which human has loved you the most? (It is ok if you pick more than one) Can you share some things that individual did for you?
2. If you are sharing this lesson with your children, ask them what they love the most?
3. Have each person in your family share their favorite gift. And their most costly gift.

Shaw’s favorite verse is Romans 12:1-2: Offer your body as a living sacrifice. It is very closely related to John 3:16.

God gave His Son for the world. Often, it is powerful when we apply generic verses specifically to ourselves. God gave His Son for you. There isn’t any way you can repay God’s gift. Yet, there is something you can do.

Offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament when sacrifices were offered on an altar, the animal was killed. As followers of Jesus, we live out our sacrifice.  Serve God in everything you do. We are a walking, talking, active testament of God’s love and mercy. God smiles when He sees you serving Him in your daily life and activities.

1. What are some daily actions which might seem insignificant but allow you an opportunity to serve God?
   
2. Use jello or a liquid to illustrate how some things conform to the mold in which they are placed. Talk about how we conform to the world.
   
3. Paul highlights that transformation is something that is done by God to us. We don’t do it to ourselves. What are some ways God transforms us? Discuss with your children some daily things that provide avenues for God to renew our minds (Bible reading, prayer, meditation, etc.).
   
4. When we do God’s will, God is pleased. WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) items ask a great question. Discuss ways you can remember to apply that principle.