Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 57: Keep The Flame Burning

Key Verse

“So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 WEB

Lesson

The Protestant Reformation was about telling people about salvation by faith alone. John 3:16 clearly states that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. So why is there a verse in Philippians talking about working out your own salvation? We can not earn salvation, right? This is true, but there is more to it.

If you have ever built a fire, or seen one built then you know it takes some work. First you need a safe place to build a fire such as a fire ring. Next you need to gather all the materials. You will need to gather several different sizes of wood, some tinder, and a fire source such as a match. Once you gather all the wood you need to separate it into different sizes and make sure it is dry. Once this is done you are ready to begin building your fire.

First put the tinder down in the center. Tinder can be things such as lint, wood shavings, or dry grass. Next add the kindling. Kindling are small twigs and sticks that will catch fire quickly. Finally, you can position the fuel wood around the kindling. This is the big pieces that will keep the fire going for a long time. Now you can strike the match and light the fire. But as you probably already know, your job is still not done. Once the tinder is lit, you must blow and fan the flame so it can grow. You must constantly tend the fire to keep it alive or it will go out. Once you have a roaring fire you must still stoke it and add more fuel.

Following Christ is a lot like building a fire. We receive salvation in an instant and we can do nothing to earn that gift. It is a spark that sets a spiritual fire in our hearts. But as Paul says in Philippians 2:12 we must work to keep the flame alive. We must fight against the temptations of our sinful nature. We must make it a priority to spend time with Jesus. We cannot earn God’s forgiveness. It is free. But we must work to live the way God asks us after we receive salvation to keep the fire in our hearts alive as long as we live. The best part is God will freely give us the strength to do so!

Questions

What did Jesus mean when he said, “take up your cross and follow me” in Matt. 16:24?

How do we receive God’s free gift of salvation?

What is the spark that sets a spiritual fire in our hearts?

What happens if we die before we have a chance to work on living the way God expects?



Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 29: Light Mirror

Photo Credit: Brennon Garner

Key Verse

“Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 WEB

Lesson

Note: This lesson is best done where the moon can be seen well. Alt: Use a flashlight and mirror to demonstrate how the sun (flashlight) reflects off the moon (mirror).

In Genesis chapter one we learn that God created the moon to give light at night. The moon is a very interesting celestial body. It has attracted man’s wonder for hundreds and thousands of years. Besides the sun it has been the primary means of keeping time for almost every group of people on earth. The ancient Aztec’s of Central America had a 13-day week likely based on the moon cycle.₁ The average lunar month is actually about 27 days, not 30, so two 13-day weeks would be closer to one month.₂

God did not make the moon a source of light. Instead the moon reflects the light of the sun. Much like a mirror does not produce its own light, but reflects light such as that from a flashlight. If the moon was a ball of fire like the sun it would surely consume us! Also, the moon would be to bright. Since it reflects sunlight it is just bright enough most nights to allow us to see outside but still get good sleep. The brightness of the moon still changes drastically throughout the moon cycle. An interesting fact is that only two days before a full moon, the moon is only half the brightness of a full moon.₂ You might think the moon gets brighter and brighter until it is full, but that is not the case. God likes to surprise us in creation.

The moon provides a beautiful object lesson. According to Genesis one the primary reason for the moon to exist is to give the darkness light. But it cannot do this on its own. Alone, the moon is nothing; it cannot fulfill its purpose. The sun, on the other hand, can provide light during the day. Everyone around the Earth cannot see it all the time. So the moon is completely dependent on the sun for its light. And the sun needs the moon so it can provide light during the nighttime.

In a similar way we are like the moon. Alone, without Jesus, we are nothing; we cannon fulfill our purpose. Our purpose is to shine God’s light, his love, to the world just as it says in Matthew 5:15-16. Jesus is in heaven and everyone cannot see him. So he wants us to be his lights here on earth. He chose us to reflect his character like a mirror, just as the moon does for the sun. Some people think it is hard to be a Christian. But Jesus made it quite simple. He left us an example of exactly what he wants us to do. All we need to do is follow his example and we will reflect his love to the world.

Questions

Have you ever seen the moon look remarkable or uncommon? Describe it.

What exactly is Matthew 5:15-16 referring to when it says “let your light so shine before men”?

In what ways can we reflect the light of Jesus to others?

Sources

1 http://www.ancient.eu/Aztec_Civilization/

2 http://www.space.com/11162-10-surprising-moon-facts-full-moons.html