For Sunday, January 18th

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, January 18th, 2009.

For this week’s lesson, we will be discussing God’s perspective on the value of human life. (We will be back to 1 Thessalonians next week.)

1) Exodus 20:13
Matthew 5:21-26
Why does God command against murder? How does murder contradict God’s perspective about human life? After reading Jesus’ expanded definition of murder, have you ever been guilty of murder?

2) Exodus 21:22-25
Psalm 139:13-16
What do these verses say about God’s perspective of when human life begins?
How does God’s perspective differ from the views of abortion supporters? What are the foundational belief differences about human life that lead to their different views?

3) Exodus 22:21-24
Deuteronomy 24:17-22
What groups of often overlooked and vulnerable people are mentioned in these verses? Can you think of other groups of vulnerable or overlooked people not mentioned here?
What provisions does God make for them? What does that show about His perspective on human life?

4) Luke 20:45-47
How are the religious leaders of Jesus’ day described in this passage? How did their actions compare to God’s standard about valuing human life? How well do your actions line up with God’s standard?
How do you think Christians should try to influence our society to recognize the supreme value of human life? What avenue would be our most effective use of resources to bring real change?

Read one each day, or study them all together. Whatever works best for you! Feel free to use the comment portion of the blog to post any questions or insights, or bring them to class.