Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat III
July 27, 2008
Lesson 3: Discussion of the Boat Potato, Part 1
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Summer Lesson Series
West Broad Church of Christ
July 27, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
We considered the characteristics of water-walkers in our last discussion. Today, we will think about the opposite of the water-walker: the “boat potato.” What can we observe about this person, and how can members of the West Broad Church of Christ avoid being like him (or her)?
I. Evaluation of the Unopened Gift
What are the implications of a gift that remains unopened?
· A grandmother’s gift;
· A grandmother’s thinking;
· Thinking of our response
· Thinking of Peter’s response
Question: Like the eleven disciples, there are persons today who treasure safety over growth. Based on your past choices, what type of person are you? Are you pleased with your choices? If not, what will you do about future choices?
II. Evaluation of the Cost of Being a Boat Potato
We have perceptions of the couch potato. How do you view this person?
· “Board” in the boat;
· A glimpse of growth;
· Proverbs and productivity
· Poem of a petty past
Summation and Challenge:
You have a gift and you have a choice. The question is, what will you do with what you have, and when will you do it?
· Playing “the when-then game;”
· Just my imagination (or is it!). Question: How do you respond to this exercise? Are there steps you are willing to take to “re-shoot” your movie? If so, what are they and when will you begin?
· Asking and answering
III. The Role of Christ - He is Lord of the Reward
Matthew 25 makes it clear that God does not expect persons to work for nothing.
· Re-thinking the reward;
· Toward an “active” retirement. Question: Does this discussion shape your concept of the reward God has for you? How?
Conclusion:
We can avoid being boat potatoes if we understand (and apply) specific truths aboutJesus Christ. God has an incredible future and present prepared for his people. But they are not inside the boat. No, we have to be water-walkers if we are going to succeed in Jesus. That being true, have you gotten your feet wet, lately?
