Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class Sabbath, August 21, 2021.

Main Theme: A restful worry free life is not based on our standing with the world, but on our relationship with Christ.

Read Together Mark 2:1-12. Identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did Jesus forgive the man’s sins before healing him, and why did he finally heal him?

Apply: Is your first concern your physical health or your relationship with God? Why?

Share: Mark 2:5 says Jesus saw their faith. What are some situations where your faith could help bring healing or salvation to someone else?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:1-5. Pinpoint the main theme of this passage.

Study: Why did Jezebel’s threat scare Elijah, especially when he never seemed threatened by King Ahab?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired that you were not thinking straight, and did something foolish?

Share: A friend asks you if suicide is the unpardonable sin? How do you respond? Especially since you don’t want to encourage suicide?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:5-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What gave Elijah the strength to make the 40 day journey?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired and discouraged that you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

Share: A friend confided in you that during the COVID-19 they feel isolated and like no one cares. How can you encourage your friend?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:15-16 and 2 Kings 2:11. What is the theme of these passages?

Study: How does 2 Kings 2:11 explain why God did not just let Elijah die back in 1 Kings 19? How does it explain why Elijah never should have let Jezebel destroy his rest and peace in God? Why should we never let the world destroy our peace?

Apply: Even when Elijah was discouraged God still gave him an assignment in 1 Kings 19:15-16. Does God give up on us when we show sings of fear or doubt or discouragement?

Share: Can you think of a friend or loved one who is suffering depression and could use an encouraging word? Could you pick up the phone and give them a call this week, or maybe even write a letter that they could read and re-read whenever they needed encouragement?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT