TGP Parent's Help for Week of July 14-20, 2013

Unit 11, Session 3: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath

1 Samuel 16–17

Christ Connection: The Israelites were up against their toughest enemies, the Philistines. They didn’t stand a chance against Goliath, the mighty Philistine warrior. God gave David power to defeat Goliath. David reminds us of Jesus, who came to save us from our greatest enemies: sin and death. Jesus, the ultimate hero, gives us salvation and eternal life.

Adult Connection Point:

Goliath defied the armies of the living God and therefore defied His holiness. God is holy, just, and jealous. He raised up David to strike down Goliath. As Christians, we no longer have reason to fear God’s wrath. On the cross, Jesus bore the wrath that we deserve. He rescues us from the wrath to come. (See 1 Thess. 1:10.)

Family Devotion:

Materials: 2 sheets of paper, measuring tape

Position one sheet of paper on the floor. Use a measuring tape to mark a tossing line 9 feet 6 inches away from the paper. Crumple the second piece of paper and give each family member a chance to toss the paper wad so it lands on top of the sheet on the floor. If younger kids need additional help, let them stand closer to the goal. Play several rounds.

Say: “David fought Goliath with a slingshot and five smooth stones, but only one stone was needed. God helped David defeat Goliath.”

Talk about the difficulty involved in making the paper wad stop on top of the other paper. Ask how David might have felt as he approached Goliath. The Bible doesn’t tell us David’s exact feelings, but kids can surmise about how they might feel if they were David.

Say: “The Bible tells us that David was willing to confront Goliath because Goliath had spoken out against God’s holiness. David knew that God would give him the power to defeat Goliath, even though the situation was scary.”

Pray, praising God for His holiness. Thank Him for sending Jesus to take the punishment we deserve for our sin.

Unit 11, Session 4: David and Jonathan Became Friends

1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42

Christ Connection: Jonathan was a true friend to David. Jonathan’s life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners. Jesus calls us friends. (John 15:15) He gave up His position in heaven to come down to us, gave up His life to save us, and intercedes for us before God.

Adult Connection Point:

Jesus is divine; He is God, the Second Person of the Trinity. If Christ is not divine, then He could not represent God to man and man to God as a mediator (1 Tim. 2:5). As man, Jesus is able to sympathize with us in our weakness and serve as our Great High Priest (Heb. 2:14-18; 4:14-16). As the eternal God, He is able to eternally intercede for and offer a final and full sacrifice on behalf of sinful people (Heb. 7:22-28). It is amazing that Jesus, who is God, would call us friends.

Family Devotion:

Materials: paper, pencils, your family’s favorite board game

Give each family member a piece of paper and a pencil. Invite him to think of his best friend and make a list of things he likes about that person. Ask: “What kind of qualities make up a good friend?”

Read John 15:15 aloud. Ask: “How cool is it that Jesus calls us friends? What qualities of the friend you listed does Jesus also have?”

Read Hebrews 2:14,17 aloud. Say: “The Bible tells us that Jesus was human just like us when He lived on earth. He had flesh and blood, but He never sinned. The Bible tells us that He had to be like us so that by His sacrifice we can be forgiven.” (See Rom. 8:3-4.)

Gather your family around your favorite board game and enjoy some family time. When the game has ended, talk about friendship. Tell your family members how much they mean to you.

Pray, thanking God for family and friendship. Thank Him for Jesus, the mighty friend of sinners.