Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

1. ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE
[Your Objective: Recognize the value God places on knowledge.]

Why does God want us to acquire knowledge? Consider Proverbs 16:16, 10:14, and 24:5.

• Why would it be better to have wisdom and knowledge than riches?
• In what ways can we apply knowledge on a daily basis for God's purposes?

According to Proverbs 1:7 where does knowledge begin? What do fools despise?

• What does it mean to fear the Lord? What are the possible outcomes of a healthy fear of God?
• Discuss a time where you ignored wise instruction. What were the consequences of your action(s)?

In 1 Timothy 6:20-21, what is the danger of listening to advice or ideas that are opposed to God's Word?

• What are some of the differences between worldly knowledge and Godly knowledge?
• How can we guard ourselves against false knowledge?

Discipleship (Maturity) - In John 17:6, Jesus declared His faithfulness to reveal God to His disciples. That means us. How can we go and do likewise? By growing in wisdom and knowledge, becoming mature Christians who keep God’s word so that we can effectively profess the truth of Jesus Christ. In what ways do you think you can acquire knowledge in your daily walk with Christ? Discuss specific areas of interest where you would like to become more knowledgeable about your faith. Make a point of sharing your knowledge in ways that will help your group to grow in wisdom at future meetings.

2. BROADEN PERSPECTIVE
[Your Objective: Appreciate the need to see life from God's point-of-view.]

How is God's thinking different from yours and mine? Look at Isaiah 55:8.

From Luke 18:27, how does God's perspective make a difference?

• Discuss a time when changing from your perspective to God's perspective made a difference in your life.

What does Proverbs 2:6 tell us comes from the mouth of God?

According to Proverbs 16:20, how are our lives ultimately influenced by paying heed to God's Word?

In what way does our choice of companions influence our lives, as written in Proverbs 13:20?

• How should the realization of the truth from these verses in Proverbs impact our daily lives?

Worship (Magnification) - When we worship God through our actions and attitudes, His Spirit works in us by giving us the mind of Christ. Talk about activities you can add to your regular schedules to make yourselves more receptive to God's way of thinking. Jesus said: "I have given them your Word..." John 17:14 (NIV). Once you have begun to see life God's way, how can you use that worldview to influence others as Jesus did?

3. CULTIVATE CONVICTIONS
[Your Objective: Agree with God that we must be confident in what we believe.]

Why is it important to know what we believe? See Romans 14:22-23.

• There's an old saying that goes, "When in doubt, don't." How do strong convictions resolve doubt?

How does Hebrews 11:1 expand your idea of faith?

• Does it matter whether or not we can see God in action in order to believe? Why or why not?
• In what way is believing without seeing a more true evidence of faith?

Compare Romans 14:14 with 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. What do both verses say about the need to stay true to our convictions? Consider Paul's remarks in Romans 14:14 regarding conflicts in matters of conviction. What does 1 Corinthians 16:14 say should motivate our behavior at all times?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5. What was the mindset of Paul and his companions when it came to sharing God's truth?

• Think about this statement: The world loves things and uses people. How can living by the strength of our convictions turn that concept around for Christ?

Evangelism (Mission) - Having the confidence of our convictions is critical if we are to successfully share Christ. People may argue over opinions, but they'll die for their convictions. Do you know what your top five convictions are? Take time this week to make sure you've identified those core beliefs, so that you can articulate them to someone else. Jesus said: "For their sake I dedicate myself completely to You, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to You" John 17:19 (TEV). Make sure you've taken this critical step, for Heaven's sake.

4. DEVELOP SKILLS
[Your Objective: Understand the need to continually master new skills in order to maximize your moment for God.]

Where do our skills come from, according to the words of Daniel 1:17? How can we partner in developing them?

• There are two types of skills mentioned in the verse we just looked at. If you had to pick, which do you believe matters more, and why?
• How can we be prepare ourselves to help others develop their skills?

Look at Ecclesiastes 10:10. What matters more than strength?

How can studying our children as they grow help us to help them find God's purpose for their lives? Consider the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6.

• What can you say or do to affirm your child's natural abilities?

According to Philippians 4:9, what were the Philippians told to practice? What will be the result?

• Why is consistency in our walk so important to being a Christian witness?
• As Christians, why must we "practice" what we have learned and heard?

Ministry - Working with your God-given talents, or SHAPE, you can develop the skills God wants to use in you for the benefit of others. Developing skills is the "how" part of educating the next generation. Ask yourself, "What can I do to make a difference in a young life?" Listen for God's voice as He directs you into an area of ministry. Look for opportunities at your church, like working with youth programs or mentoring a younger person through a one-on-one relationship. Jesus said, "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" John 17:18 (NIV). Pray for one another to be like Jesus in a young life.

5. ESTABLISH CHARACTER
[Your Objective: Realize that nothing matters more to God than who you are.]

Read Ephesians 4:23-24. What does verse 23 say about our attitudes? Who are we created to be like?

What was Paul looking to see develop in those he discipled, according to Galatians 4:19?

• Why is our character so important to God?
• How do you think God transforms us to be like Him in righteousness and holiness?

How are the wise and the foolish contrasted in Proverbs 15:14?

According to Romans 5:3-4 what is the process of character development that stems from suffering?

• How can protecting a child’s mind play a role in developing their character?
• Why is it important to allow our children to face difficult times and even failures?
• In John 17:15 (NLT) Jesus said, "I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one." What is the difference between protecting them from evil and protecting them from difficulty? Why is knowing and practicing the difference important?

Fellowship (Membership) - When we become members of the family of God, He works through new relationships to build us into the new creations spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Has anyone in the group had an experience of God's rebuilding power in their life? Share a story or two about how God creates the character of Christ in us through Christian fellowship.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Determine to invest your life in what matters to God.]

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Galatians 5:6b (NIV)

We spend a lot of time doing things that really don't count. God tells us there are ultimately only two things that matter: loving God and serving people. From now on, ask yourself regularly what you can do to help educate the next generation. Encourage Bible reading; introduce youngsters to interesting people from whom they can learn; share with them what you are passionate about; consistently model your beliefs; help young people identify and develop in what they are good at; trust them with responsibility. Finally, take an active role in protecting young minds... but don't protect them from difficulty. It is through trial that God develops us into the character of His Son. Here is what God is saying: Be unselfish. Make your life count. Do what matters. And don't worry about the rest.