Summer Camp 2013 Bible Study.doc

7/27/2019 Summer Camp 2013 Bible Study.doc

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People of God Summer Camp 2013 Bible StudyBible Study

Above All Else

Camp Day: MONDAY

Theme:

Hiddenidden

I. Opening Focus (8 10 minutes)

A. After welcoming the campers in your bible study group (please feel free to haveeveryone introduce themselves and possibly their cabin ID), open the session with ashort prayer (said by you, your co-leader, or one of the campers!)

B. Counselor Reflection: First, recap this years theme of Above All Else as weprepare to grow closer to Jesus throughout the week and grow in a desire to receive allthat He has for us here at camp. As we take each day to consider how to use the

precious time God has given us, we want to strengthen His call by seekingguidance in his Word.

C. Revisit the skit: Ask the campers, What message did you get from the skit? WasGod teaching you something specific through this mornings skit? If so, could youshare what you sense it is?

D. Recite daily scripture memory verses togetherPsalm 119:11 and Luke10:21

E. Referto Daily ThemeReflection sheet for brief overview of todays topic ifdeemed necessary READ to children (or have them take turns reading theinformation aloud to the group) as necessary to set the stage help them to interpretthis message accordingly!

II. BIBLE STUDY (15 20 minutes) Materials needed: Copy of word find and writing tool foreach camper in grades 3-4.

Core Text: Read Exodus 2:1-10

Potential Questions for Discussion:

Grades 3-4

Can you help me with the story about what was happening before Moses was born? (You

canparaphraseExodus 1:8-10, 22 after you have read it to yourselfand thenrelate to campers abouthow the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt. They became so numerous that Pharaoh, the king,

became afraid they would take over and ordered the new baby boys to be killed.)

How do you think Moses being hidden in a basket in the reeds on the riverbank was part ofGods plan? (Lead the children to realize that even though things looked bad for the

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Hebrews, especially their baby boys, God was at work even when they couldnt see how.Moses was to become Gods prophet who saved the Hebrews from slavery by leadingthem out of Egypt to the Promised Land.)

Take a minute and complete this Baby Moses Word Search. What did it feel like until youfound the words listed at the bottom of the page? Why did you expect to find those words?Talk about how Word Searches can be like Gods hidden plan for our lives. Things may notbe clear or you may not be able to understand them now, but when the time is right, youfind what you are looking for. Encourage them to see the connection of how you trustedthe puzzle maker to have the hidden words in there and how we can trust Gods Word forgood in our lives, even when it is hidden.

Grades 5-6

Lets look at what happened before this passage to find out why they had to hide Moses. Read Exodus

1:8-10, 22. Why did Pharaoh fear the Hebrews? (They became so numerous that Pharaoh, theking, became afraid they would take over and he then ordered the new baby boys to be

killed.)

If you were Moses older brother or sister, how would you feel about needing to hide him? (Affirm anyreasonable answer.)

How do you think Moses being hidden in a basket in the reeds on the riverbank was part ofGods plan? (Lead the children to realize that even though things looked bad for theHebrews, especially their baby boys, God was at work even when they couldnt see how.Moses was to become Gods prophet who saved the Hebrews from slavery by leadingthem out of Egypt to the Promised Land.)

Name some examples of being told to do something that has hidden meaning to it; something that you

may not know how it may come out for good. (Examples can range from doing homework=goodeducation to household chores=healthy habits to movies/tv/electronic game time=addictive habits to

regular prayer time=growing closer to God.)

How is being hidden in Gods protection different from being a fraidy cat or whimp? (We haveconfidence that following Gods law is always going to be the best way to be.)

*** Key Words/Terms: baby, basket, hide, water, sister

Main Emphasis: Gods ways are often hidden from us but when we keep his word in our hearts,we can trust that good will come from everything that he brings into our lives. Being hidden inhim means we rely on his protection when called to act boldly for the Lord and His Word.

III. HCI (How Can I use this information/knowledge in my life?) (5 minutes)

How do I act when told by my parents or someone in charge, to do something I dont wantto do or dont see the reason for doing it? What is one little way I can start to change what I doso it shows that I trust that God is going to work good from this? Whether I see Gods plan or not,do I thank him for letting me be a part of what he is doing?

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Camp Day: TUESDAY

Theme:

Evilvil


A. After welcoming the campers for day 2, ask them if they had an opportunity to respondto Gods plan even if there were some hidden reasons since yesterdays study and thenopen the session with a short prayer (said by someone of your choosing)

B. Counselor Reflection: Take a moment to share with the campers how youexperienced being a part of Gods plan when you didnt know the meaning of what youwere doing. Share a specific time when you balked at something (that wasnt sinful)and how you ended up doing it. Let them know if you have seen the plan he had inmind at that time or if you are still trusting how he is working in that situation. How hasbeing hidden in Christ made a difference in the choices you make?

C. Revisit the skit: Ask the campers, What message did you get from the skit? WasGod teaching you something through this mornings skit? Have them share!

D. Recite daily scripture memory verses togetherPsalm 97:10 and Ephesians 6:13


II. BIBLE STUDY (15 20 minutes)

Core Text: Luke 4:1-13


Grades 3-4

Verse 1 tells us Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit (Following His baptism by John theBaptist.) Why is it important for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (So that we can beaware of evil.)

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What are the ways that the devil tempted Jesus to do evil in this passage? (Accept theirresponses as they name the three temptations from the passage.)Jesus was tempted tosin like we are tempted. Did Jesus ever sin? (No, he is like us in every way but sin.)

What is the connection between our relationship with the Lord and how we deal withtemptations to do evil? (Jesus shows us that by doing what God tells us to do in scriptureas well as repeating Bible verses helps us to both know and overcome evil Heresponded, It is written . . .! Also, Eph. 6:13)

Jesus responded to the devils temptation with quotations from the Bible. What does thattell us about where we can go to get the strength we need to follow Gods will? (Read andknow the Bible.)

(If time permits) Everyone is doing it is a phrase that sounds like a good excuse. Whatare some instances when you might be tempted to do what everyone is doing when itwould be a help to remember Scripture? How will that help you to choose what is right?(Try to lead them to give general examples, not necessarily personal experiences.)

Grades 5-6

Verse 1 tells us Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit . . . Why is it so important to be filled withthe Holy Spirit? (Steer the discussion towards recognizing that being filled with the HolySpirit is essential and that this is how we grow and become victorious and more holy assons and daughters of God.)

What are the ways that the devil tempted Jesus to do evil in this passage? (Accept theirresponses as they name the three temptations from the passage.)Jesus was tempted tosin like we are tempted. Did Jesus ever sin? (No, he is like us in every way but sin.)

What is the connection between our being filled with the Holy Spirit and how we deal withtemptations to do evil? (Jesus shows us that being filled with His Spirit equips us to

overcome the devil. We are free to make the choice to be obedient to what God wants usto do, and listening to what the Spirit tells us will always bring victory and joy!)

Jesus responded to the devils temptation with quotations from the Bible. What does thattell us about where we can go to get the strength we need to follow Gods will? (Read andknow the Bible.)

(If time permits) What are some instances when you might be tempted that it would be ahelp to remember Scripture? Can you name some Scripture passages that can be helpful?(Todays memory Scriptures are two examples.) How will that help you to choose what isright? (Try to lead them to give general examples, not necessarily personal experiences.)

*** Key Words/Terms: Spirit, tempted, devil, hungry, worship.

Main Emphasis: Jesus was tempted just like us. He was like us in everything but sin. The worldhe lived in was sinful, just as we live in a sinful world. Evil is around us but it is not in control ofus. God calls us to be a part of His kingdom, even while we are in this world. Our actions andchoices show the sinful world we do not have to give into evil and the devil.


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Its important to be baptized as Jesus was. After He was filled with the Spirit, He wastempted by the devil. What does that tell me about what to expect from the devil in regards tomy everyday status in the world? Jesus knew to go to the Bible for strength. How can I getbetter at doing that also?

Camp Day: WEDNESDAY

Theme:

Actionction


A. After welcoming the campers for day 3, ask them if they found themselves relying onScripture when tempted or using a plan to know Scripture better following yesterdaysstudy and then open the session with a short prayer.

B. Counselor Reflection: Share a Scripture passage that you rely on when goingthrough a time of temptation. Explain how you picked that one. Let them know how, foryou, daily Scripture reading leads to knowing Scripture better. And how that lets youknow how God is there to give you strength for each day to do what is good.


D. Recite daily scripture memory verses together1 Peter 1:13 and Jeremiah 32:39


II. BIBLE STUDY (15 20 minutes)

Core Text: John 6: 1-13


Grades 3-4

Lets focus on verse 9 to begin with. Please rereadit. Picture yourself as the boy (or girl)who had those five barley loaves and two fish in your lunch. What do you think it was liketo try to offer them to Andrew to give to Jesus? (Draw out suggestions that after he or she

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heard what Jesus was doing he wanted to help; it might be hard to do if youre hungry; hedidnt know what Jesus would do with his meager/small offering. Point out that even

Andrew said, What good are these for so many?)

Read verse 13 again. Who can share what they think the first words out of the boysmouth would have been when they saw what Jesus did with their lunch? (Answers willvary.)

How did the boy in this story actively seek to serve the living God? (By offering his/herlunch.)

When this boys parents asked them how their day went, how do you think he or sheresponded? (Relating what Jesus had done, the excitement of his story must have beenincredible!)

How do you think this affected the way the boy or girl acted after that day? (Responseswill vary, but bring out that it is likely he wouldwant to follow Jesus so he could do morefor him.)

If you are being called into action by our Heavenly Father, how can you equip yourself in

case he needs your lunch? (Prayer, Scripture, obedience.) Revisit the Memory Scriptures for Wednesday. Discuss how they apply to equipping

yourself.

Grades 5-6

Same as for Grades 3 4, with any necessary/appropriate modifications!

*** Key Words/Terms: action, offering, obedience, prepare, equip

Main Emphasis: Our offerings, small as they may seem to us, can be used by God intremendous ways. A willingness to do what we can is what he calls us to do. It doesnt matterhow old we are, God wants our hearts to be totally with him. He will prepare us for this service,but we have to do our part of stepping out in faith.


If I ever think I cant do very much for God, what can I do to change that attitude? Whoare the people around me who keep me focused on being willing to serve God any way that Ican? How can I stay in touch with the ways that Jesus needs me to serve him and others? Whatare some small ways I can start serving him today?

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Above All Else

Camp Day: THURSDAY

Theme:

Remainemain


A. After welcoming the campers for day 4, ask them if they determined the one thing theycan do to prepare for the action God is calling you to do in light of yesterdays studyand then open the session with a short prayer (said by you, the assistant, or one of thecampers!)

B. Counselor Reflection: Take an opportunity to share with campers a time you heardvery clearly something God asked you to do but you thought was too small of a deal tomake any difference for him. Share what you do to avoid getting down on yourselfabout thinking God would never want to use you or that you arent always prepared todo what he asks.


D. Recite daily scripture memory verses together

John 15:4 and John 15:9


II. BIBLE STUDY (15 20 minutes) Materials needed: paper and writing tool for eachCamper

Core Text: 1 John 4: 13 21


Grades 3-4

Lets check different Bible versions for a word in verses 13, 15, 16. (Check for the wordthat is used: dwells, abides, or remain. Explain that whether the word abides, dwells, orremain is used, THE MEANING IS THE SAME!)

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What is the meaning of that word? (To dwell with, abide with, or remain in takes it deeperthan just being surface acquaintances or a visitor. Be sure the idea of God wanting to beas close as our breath is understood.)

Have campers count off starting with the number 13 up to 21 before you repeat thenumbering. These numbers represent the Scripture verse you will use now. Take a minuteand draw a simple picture, even a stick figure, of yourself. Add something to the picture ofyourself that will show how that verse is telling you about remaining in God. (Example:verse 13 show the Spirit (dove); verse 14 shows Jesus, etc.)

Have Campers show their drawing and explain its meaning related to the Scripture verse.If there is time, have them read the verse first.

Teacher: Lets ask God to increase our desire to remain in him so that we can know a life

of fruitfulness!

Grades 5-6

Same as Grades 3 4

*** Key Words/Terms: remain, abide, dwell, love, fear, brother.

Main Emphasis: We know that apart from Jesus we cannot do his will. He tells us the basic needto remain in him is to love. Fear and hate will remove our confidence but abiding with God in lovewill keep us fruitful in this life and ready for eternity.


Where do I see fear and hate, in big and small ways, in my life? How are these keeping mefrom remaining in Gods love? What can I do to move closer to using the love the Spirit hasshown me to change these things?

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Above All Else

Camp Day: FRIDAY

Theme:

Thingshings

***Bible study and sharing will be provided by the Asst. Directors during the common (combined)worship and prayer time!

Emphasis will be placed upon our increased awareness of the marvelous thingsGod has done in our lives and our need to recognize and desire the things of God asfar more valuable than things that the world may tell us should be important to us!

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Summer Camp 2013 Bible Study.doc