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August 26: Practicing Justice (Colossians 3:5-17)

By August 21, 2018Teacher Tips

To begin the session:

Download the “Something Went Wrong” quiz here. As class members arrive, allow them to work on it individually or cooperatively. When all have arrived and have had a few minutes to complete the exercise, reveal the correct matches. Those answers are: 1=c, 2=g, 3=h, 4=f, 5=j, 6=a, 7=d, 8=i, 9=b, 10=e.

Lead into Bible study by saying, ““We sense there is much wrong with the world. But how can we make a difference when problems seem overwhelming? How can we make things better rather than worse? Paul tells us how to be a true agent of change in our world.”

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Divide the class into three groups. Give each group paper, pens, and one of these research assignments:

Clean Off! (Colossians 3:5-9). Read the text and create imaginary cleaning products to remove the negative qualities listed in these verses.

Dress Up! (Colossians 3:10-14). Read the text and create imaginary items of clothing to display the positive qualities listed in these verses.

Tune In! (Colossians 3:15-17). Read the text and create imaginary TV programs to broadcast the elements of our Christian message listed in these verses.

Give groups about fifteen minutes to work. Encourage imaginative responses. Here are a few suggested responses, though there are many, many more:

Clean Off group—Impurity Purifier, Lust Remover, Greed-B-Gone, Malice Makeover, Rage-Away, Word Whitener, etc.

Dress Up group—humility hoody, gloves of gentleness, grudge-proof glasses, patience poncho, love overalls, etc.

Tune In group—Peace Patrol, Gratitude Game, Wise Guys Hour, Dwell Richly, Music of the Heart, etc.

Allow groups to share and explain their lists. Comment as necessary, referring to the Scripture commentary as needed.

Jim Eichenberger

Author Jim Eichenberger

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