Father:

Soften my heart as I prepare to study Your Word this week. Forgive me if I have let the culture shape my views—especially in the past several years—regarding social issues such as race and reconciliation. I want the Bible to be my standard for living, and not man.

In the name of Christ I pray, Amen.

Memory Verse

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11, NASB

Background

Activists in our culture—and even some in the church—have been vocal about defining where society’s problems originate and what the cultural solutions should be. Many Christians avoid speaking out for fear that going against cultural narratives will incite others to call them a racist, a bigot, or worse. We are not called to capitulate to the culture. What the Bible has to say about these matters is what our standard should be.

Personal Response to God

Some of the most brilliant minds—whether scientist or not—have been outspoken believers in Christ. There is no need to wrestle between being educated and being a person of great faith. Spend some time in prayer and ask God to forgive you if you have ever been tempted to hide your faith around others. Pray that the Lord would increase your wisdom of Him and His Word!

“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
—Proverbs 4:5–7, NIV

Journaling Questions
  1. What new insights did I learn from the online recorded teaching for this week’s lesson?
  2. How can I apply what I have learned in this lesson and through the teaching?

Study Guide Available

For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.