SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ~ OCT. 24TH

Being Different

LESSON PASSAGE OUTLINE
1. Satisfied with Jesus (Eph. 4:17-19)
2. Saved, Saved! (Eph. 4:20-24)
3. Since I Have Been Redeemed (Eph. 4:25-29)
4. Search Me, O God (Eph. 4:30-32)

BIBLICAL TRUTH - Believers are to have a lifestyle that is obviously Christian.
Bible Commentary - by Kendell Easley, Professor of Christian Studies at the Germantown TN campus of Union University.

For the past two years, I’ve been leading our church’s mid-week service through a study of the Book of Psalms, the Bible’s "hymnal." During this study so far, we’ve seen how the Israelites of old sang of their praise and sorrow, confession and thanksgiving. God’s people to this day have found the Psalms (along with much later New Testament-based hymns and gospel songs) to be wonderful ways to express worship. Four gospel song titles are highlighted in this week’s lesson as the section headings. These titles may bring back memories for some; they will helps us all focus on what it means to live the Christian life. These are the four hymns used:
"Satisfied with Jesus," by B. B. McKinney (Baptist Hymnal [2008], No. 622).
"Saved, Saved!" by Jack P. Scholfield. (Baptist Hymnal [2008], No. 469).
"Since I Have Been Redeemed," by Edwin O. Excell. (Baptist Hymnal [2008], No. 284).
"Search Me, O God," music by Edward J. Hopkins; words by J. Edwin Orr (The Baptist Hymnal [1991], No. 297).

 What role does Christian music play in your life? Have you ever thought about the songs you sing (or listen to) as ways to express your commitment to live a Christian lifestyle?

For too many persons, the "Christian lifestyle" is characterized by what believers don’t do: cuss, get drunk, fool around, or some other sinful vice. If they are asked, "What positive values are connected with a Christian lifestyle?" they might have difficulty answering. Living the Christian life is more than having high morals. Positively, a Christian lifestyle means doing what grows out of a believer’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Negatively, it means doing nothing to grieve or disappoint the Holy Spirit. This kind of lifestyle always contrasts vividly with that of unbelievers, as Paul showed in this week’s passage.
The Life Goal of this lesson is to help [us] live in ways that show [we] are Christians. In your preparation for...this study, first consider the implications it has for you. What evidence could you offer to support a claim that you are living an obviously Christian life?