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© 2009 Randall House. Copying, distributing, or sharing this study beyond the use of the purchasing church or single campus site is a breach of ethics and illegal. It is also a breach of the license agreement to remove this statement from the study or from any customized or derivative study. To purchase this study or others like it, visit http://AccessBibleStudies.com

ISBN: 9780892651665

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IntroductIonA Question of Life is a four-week study that deals with the most basic issues and difficult questions any one faces. No one likes to think about the possibility of a disabled child or a parent living out the last few years of their life in pain, but these are realities many must encounter. As Christians, we should be prepared to offer more than empty platitudes and trite sayings to those facing the hard questions of life and death.

Our study will focus on what Scripture says about our humanity, God’s design for His special creation, the place of the disabled in society and the Church, and the purpose of aging and even death. It is important to remember, as we approach this study, that we are all fallen and at times have been forced to make difficult decisions that time and thought made regrettable. Remember that God is a God of grace and can use the most difficult of trials in our lives for His glory.

It is important to get the word out every way possible. The following lesson titles and objectives are structured for use in newsletters, church bulletins, e-mail, and other sources such as Facebook and blogs.

Session one: Why Are We Here?Group members will focus on the uniqueness of humanity and God’s intentions for us as His special creation. Because God has set us apart from the rest of His creation, we need to understand our unique place in God’s design.

Session two: What Makes us Human?Group members will focus on the whole “quality of life” issue. Some in our society suggest a child with genetic and other disabilities would have been better off aborted. A few have even gone so far as to say a child is not human until fully socialized. What does God have to say about those who are born with physical, emotional, and mental challenges?

Session three: Who decides When We Leave?Group members will study the topic of aging, God’s purpose for the elderly, living wills, and the issue of euthanasia. The elderly are given a special place of honor in Scripture—a place that seems to be eroding in our modern culture.

Session Four: What can We do?Group members will focus on the Christian’s relationship and responsibility to the disabled, the aging, and those facing issues of life and death.

Access Downloadable Curriculum • Introduction

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Access Downloadable Curriculum • Session 1 Why Are We Here?

Why Are We Here?MAtErIALS nEEdEd• Bibles• Extra pens and pencils• Student handouts• White board or poster board

LESSon oBJEctIVEGroup members will focus on the uniqueness of humanity and God’s intentions for us as His special creation. Because God has set us apart from the rest of His creation, we need to understand our unique place in God’s design.

connEctBegin this lesson by calling attention to the handout “Quality of Life?” Give participants time to complete the worksheet. Say: There is a lot of discussion these days about quality of life. As you look at this handout, how many of these really have anything to do with the quality of our life according to God’s standards? Allow time for group discussion.

Segue into the CONSIDER section by saying: Throughout the next few sessions, we will consider a number of difficult questions about life and death. These questions range from pre-natal genetic screening to living wills and death with dignity. To some extent, all of these questions can be answered in our session today. When we understand why God created us and what He considers to be quality of life, most of these other issues find resolution.

conSIdErWe cannot understand what quality of life is without also understanding the reason for man having life in the first place. Read Psalm 8:1-5 and ask: What does Psalm 8:1-5 say about the place of people in God’s creative purpose? Though it is hard to grasp why a perfect, holy God would place people in such a position of importance in His creation, He has.

Read Genesis 1:26-27. This passage reveals two attributes of humanity that set us apart from the rest of God’s creation. (Possible PowerPoint slides.)

Awareness• Ask: What does it mean when God says He created us in “His” image? Humanity was

created with self- and God-awareness. Read Romans 1:19-20. We are not animals but rather a unique creation given the ability to interact with God on a personal level.

complexity• God is very complex and so are humans! We are spiritual beings with an innate sense

of the spiritual life. Read Ecclesiastes 3:11, discussing its significance. Lead the group to discuss evidences that even non-religious people are aware of the spiritual aspect of life.

While humanity retained these basic qualities after the Fall, scripture also reveals how much sin damaged our understanding of God and ourselves. Read Genesis 3:8-12.

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As we approach this study, it is essential to remember we are all fallen and at times have been forced to make difficult decisions that time and thought deeded regrettable. Remember that God is a God of grace and can use the most difficult of trials in our lives for His glory.

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Ask: Can you see any of the reactions of Adam and Eve evidenced in the basic nature of people today? Though we were created to enjoy transparent fellowship with God and each other, sin has complicated our creative purpose. Because of sin, we are born with a tendency to (possible PowerPoint Slide):

• Conceal our true selves (Genesis 3:8). Adam and Eve tried to hide from God using His own creation for concealment. Using a poster or whiteboard, call on the group to list ways people still try to hide. For example, people often “hide” in jobs, recreation, hobbies, etc.

• Fear of being revealed (Genesis 3:9-10). Like the emperor’s new clothes, humanity, by nature, tries to pretend meaning and purpose is found in what we hide in. Adam sought the trees as though the trees could actually conceal him. We do the same with money, jobs, beauty, etc.

• Blame God and others (Genesis 3:11-12). Every time we blame others for our own sin we ultimately are blaming God. He created us; therefore, it’s His fault.

As a result of sin and the Fall, life itself has become complicated. Read Genesis 3:16-19 silently. Ask: If you could summarize this passage in one sentence, what would it be? Lead the group to see that the one great physical result of the Fall was that the cycle of life itself became a painful process. Charles Spurgeon said, “Depend on it, there is no pain in dying. The pain is in the living.” This does not mean we cannot have joy in life, and indeed, believers should. It does mean our joy is primarily in realizing God’s purpose for us and our relationship to Him.

Though good health and a stable life are worthy goals, Christians must be careful they do not judge the quality of life by those standards alone. Call on various participants to read the following Scriptures (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 10:31; and Psalm 86:9). Point out that regardless of our physical situations, all can achieve this purpose in life. Call attention to the handout “A Better Quality of Life.” Have the group members record what they believe makes for quality of life in God’s eyes. Allow time for sharing and discussion.

The apostle Paul experienced many things in his life that greatly reduced what many would consider his quality of life. Ask: Can you name what some of those things were? Paul traveled thousands of miles on foot and in primitive sailing vessels, was beaten on several occasions and spent countless months in prison, and times he almost despaired of life itself. He was so oppressed by his physical condition that he pleaded with God to take the affliction away from him. (Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-8.) But, Paul maintained a perspective that quality of life was found in being like Christ more than physical comfort. (Read Philippians 3:10.)

coMMItThis series of sessions will not answer all the questions we might have about human suffering, sickness, disabilities, and death. There are many whys that will only be answered in eternity. But, when we understand that quality of life is found in the soul, and not the body, we will find ourselves able to transcend whatever physical trials we might face. Ask: How many of you can name someone with a physical disability or illness that seems to have a better grip on “knowing God” than the rest of us?

End this session with a collective prayer. As you lead in prayer, ask God to help your group focus on the ultimate purpose—glorifying God, no matter the circumstance. Pray for a spirit of gratitude and awareness.

Access Downloadable Curriculum • Session 1 Why Are We Here?

“The great business of life is to be, to do, to do without, and to depart.” (John Morley)

“We know little of the creature, till we know it as it stands related to the Creator.” (Richard Baxter)

“The longer I live, the larger allowances I make for human infirmities.” (John Wesley)

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Quality of Life?Check all statements that represent a good quality of life.

____ My car is in excellent condition.

____ My clothes are all pressed, clean, and make me look great.

____ I live in the geographic area of my choice.

____ There is ample and healthy lighting around me.

____ I consistently have adequate time, space, and freedom in my life.

____ I am not tolerating anything about my home or work environment.

____ My work environment is productive and inspiring.

____ My hair is the way I want it.

____ I don’t injure myself, fall, or bump into things.

____ I have nothing around the house or in storage that I do not need.

____ I don’t rush or use adrenaline to get the job done.

____ I take off evenings, weekends, and take at least two weeks of vacation each year.

____ I do not suffer.

____ I floss daily.

____ I have excellent medical insurance.

____ My earnings are commensurate with the effort I put into my job.

____ My earnings outpace inflation, consistently.

____ I tell people how they can satisfy me.

____ I am fully caught up with e-mails and calls.

____ I receive enough love from people around me to feel good.

____ I live life on my terms, not by the rules or preferences of others.

____ I am in tune with my wants and needs and get them taken care of.

____ I spend time with people who don’t try to change me.

Access Downloadable Curriculum • Session 1 Why Are We Here?

Session One

Student Handout 1

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A Better Quality of LifeRead Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 10:31; and Psalm 86:9, and then answer the question below based on the teachings found in these passages.

According to God, what makes for a good quality of life?

Access Downloadable Curriculum • Session 1 Why Are We Here?

Session One

Student Handout 2

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