Sunday School Lesson Outlines
The Secret
Did anyone ever tell you a "secret" and then say don't tell anyone? This is a different kind of secret! These are some of the secrets Jesus tried to explain to the disciples while He was on earth.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10 But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; But just as it is written, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. NASB
God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.
The disciples are trying to tell them of the coming Kingdom. The prepared place in Heaven that we cannot comprehend the beauty of. Even before Jesus came to earth - Job knew and loved God and kept his life upright. When his friends came to confront him, and tried to make him repent and tell them what sin he had committed, Job replied:
Job 11:5-6 "But would that God might speak, And open His lips against you, And show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets a part of your iniquity." NASB
The secret of knowledge hidden in your heart along with love, trust, faith, obedience; were too much of a mystery for his friends and family to comprehend. Hold on to God's unchanging hand!
Jesus did not keep any of His teachings to only those closest to him.
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret." NASB
As always, leaders are held to a higher standard.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. NASB
Those of us who have been given ears to hear (which are opened by the Holy Spirit), also have the responsibility of living a life worthy of a true and genuine Christian. To stand apart, so that others will notice your life. Paul, who was in prison most of his ministry, is the last person you would think of as saying this. But that just shows you that God uses the most unlikely servants. He could use a rock if he wanted to.
Luke 19:40 And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" NASB
However, He chooses to let us receive the glory and reward of being a part of saving a life.
Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. NASB
The most important thing to Paul was knowing that Christ was doing it through him, and his heart was content with that. He was being used as a tool of the Almighty! That was enough love for him because that is the most treasured and undeniable love; that of God.
After Judas' betrayal was predicted by Jesus, and Judas left the room to meet with his partners in crime, Jesus said:
John 13:33-35 "Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You shall seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, I now say to you also, ,'Where I am going, you cannot come.' A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." NASB
Even though Jesus is preparing the disciples for things they didn't understand, they would understand that love is the most important thing. We are Heaven bound! He is coming soon! This is the secret to standing out above all others.
John 15:12-13 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." NASB
Jesus did this for us when he died on the cross. He became the bridge that allows us to reach the Father. Jesus laid down his life to cover our sins because He loves us that much. This is the secret that will make people want what you have: contentment, grace, no anxiety, no worries, trust, a friend till the end, compassion, no prejudices' no grudges or malice, smile's through hurtful times, etc.
Matthew 10:26 "Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." NASB
Psalms 44:21 Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. NASB
There are no secrets from God - but he does give us little secrets to help us in our temporary life here on earth.
The true secret of a meaningful, productive, Christian life?
Matthew 22:37-40 And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." NASB
Look also at these words of Jesus:
Mark 12:29-31 Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." NASB
You don't have to be a camel trying to get through the eye of a needle like the rich man. You just need to genuinely love; your neighbor, co-worker, boss, in-laws, cranky old people, siblings, those you don't agree with, etc. It is impossible to be judgemental, bitter, rude, unforgiving, etc. when we truly love that person. Thus the hymn "Shall we gather at the river of forgiveness."
He doesn't tell us it's easy. He even mentions it might take all our strength. But it is what makes the world go around, and it is what God requires from each and every one of us. Are you making a difference? Do you make an effort to talk to the lonely old man down the street? Do you try to comfort the widow? Have you asked a single mom if there is something she needs because you would like to help? Have you visited a nursing home and spent time with those whose family does not go visit? There are so many little things we could be doing to spread the love and make a difference.
Love is the secret!
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