As part of our “We Believe” curriculum, we remind ourselves that the Bible is the written Word of God and we can trust it because it’s true now, then, and forever. God’s Word never changes, but we’re all sometimes tempted to not believe that it’s perfect and therefore not be honest or tell the whole truth. But what if we had heard the words from God Himself? What if we could walk with and talk to Him face to face? Do you think things would be different?
HONESTY: Telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
MEMORY VERSE: “The Lord detests lying lips but He delights in those who tell the truth.” Proverbs 12:22 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: We are Honest Because God's Word is Perfect
From the very beginning of time, our enemy has lied to us to try and make us doubt that God knows what’s best for us and that His Word is perfect. In Genesis, God gave Adam and Eve specific instructions about the garden because He knew what was best for them. However, the enemy planted seeds of doubt in their minds and they chose to go their own way instead of trusting God’s Word. After they sinned, they tried to hide from God because their sin had broken their relationship with Him. Sin separates all of us from Him because at some point we all choose to doubt God’s perfect Word. But God loves us so much that He wants us to come to Him, ask for forgiveness, and have a relationship with Him again!
Family Questions:
- Read Genesis 2-3. What instructions had God given Adam and Eve?
- How did the serpent tempt Eve to doubt God’s perfect Word?
- When you know you didn’t tell the truth, does God want you to hide from Him or come to Him? Why? (God doesn’t want you to hide but to confess, even when it seems scary. God loves you so much and wants to have a relationship with you. He will forgive you if you ask.) What can you remember is true about God when you’re tempted to doubt His Word?
- When are you tempted to not trust that God’s Word is perfect? Why?
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
One night at the dinner table pull out your Bible and read Psalm 19:7-10 to your family. Ask them how it describes God’s Word. Read the passage again and tell your family to listen for the benefits of knowing God’s Word. Then discuss with them how the truth of God’s Word can motivate and encourage us to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Friend: Drive Time
As you are driving, ask your kids what they would do if they did not know how to get somewhere. They will most likely tell you that they would look at the GPS map on your phone. Ask them if an inaccurate map would be helpful or hurtful. We rely on maps to be true so that we can know where we are and how to get where we want to go. Then discuss with them how in a similar way that we rely on a map to be true (Psalm 33:4), we can absolutely rely on God’s Word to be true. It is our guide and is true now, then, and forever!
Counselor: Bedtime
As you are putting your family down for bed tell them that you have two stories to tell. Once everyone is ready, tell a story of how you were dishonest and it did not go well for you. Talk about how God’s Word would have told you to be honest in that moment. Contrast that story with one of how you were honest because you knew God’s Word. Emphasize to your kids that God’s way of honesty is always better.
Coach: Anytime
Remind your kids that because God’s Word is perfect and helpful, it’s important to memorize it so we can call to mind what God says is best at any time. Spend time working on this month's memory verse together: "The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth." Proverbs 12:22
Prayer
Thank God that we never have to doubt if His Word is good or true. Ask Him to help you when tempted to disbelieve or distort His Word which could lead to sin. Thank Him for the chance to have a relationship with Him again.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will have fun doing a REVIEW WEEKEND!