SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - MARCH 27TH

Week of March 27 - Light Up the World
Lesson Passage Outline

1. Work Out (Phil. 2:12-13)
2. Shine Brightly (Phil. 2:14-18)
3. Show Concern (Phil. 2:19-24)
4. Serve Regardless (Phil. 2:25-30)

Biblical Truth - Believers who live as shining examples of Christianity help to spread the gospel.

Introduction - Eli Landrum, retired from Lifeway Christian Resources having served as editor for over 23 years; prior to his work at LifeWay, he served in church ministry for 16 years, including 9 years as a pastor. He & his wife are members of First Baptist Church, Nashville, TN.

A few years ago, a veteran pilot guided his crippled aircraft to a remarkable landing in New York’s Hudson River. The crew and all the passengers safely exited the plane. Rescue vessels took them to shore. Everyone one survived the ordeal. Some passengers suffered hypothermia, but no one was seriously injured. Along with countless others, I marveled at the pilot’s courage and skill under extreme pressure. In the annals of commercial aviation, he will forever remain a shining example of a heroic pilot.
Believers have the marvelous privilege and the demanding responsibility of being shining examples of Christian living. Average is not an acceptable adjective to be placed before the noun Christian. Our goal must be to excel at demonstrating Christ’s activity in our lives so that we can influence people for Him.
I’m not capable of being a good Christian example for others. Too often that view is an excuse for not trying. Such a statement also may reflect a past failure, perhaps a significant failure. Behind the words may be an acknowledgment that we can never match the perfect example Jesus set. In truth no one else (other than Jesus) can be a perfect example for others, but all believers can grow to be better examples than they are. This lesson is designed to help us grow to be more exemplary Christians.