Understanding the times 1 Chron.12:23,32 “These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the LORD had said: … men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do chiefs, with all their relatives under their command” Esther 1:13 “Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times”

Understanding the times This is more than understanding how our ‘culture’ operates, which is also a vital skill that each of us should exercise. Acts 14:8-18 Acts 13:14-20

Understanding the times 1 Cor.9:19-23 “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Understanding the times ‘Understanding the times’ means being able to grasp what changes are taking place in society and what opportunities and threats are emerging so that we might respond to them with Biblical wisdom and godly discernment. Change is happening all around us, only dangerous fools stand still.

Understanding the times Discuss in groups… a)If you have been resident in the UK for over 10 years - what are the biggest changes you have seen in British society? b)If you have been less than 10 years in the UK – what have been the biggest shocks to you in coming to terms with British society?

Understanding the times The British government regularly issues a statistical overview of social trends. On papers to be distributed to you, ‘Social Trends 39’ (which covers 2009) lists a number of issues. Out of these - which affects you most? - which has had most impact on your community? - which do you think will change society most in the future?

Understanding the times What other significant changes do you see taking place in society which will directly affect us, whether for good or bad? How do people respond ‘spiritually’ today?

Understanding the times Discuss in groups… a)How can YOU (as a Christian individual) best respond to those areas we’ve identified as the most significant? b)How can WE (as a Christian church) best respond to those areas we’ve identified as the most significant? Keep in mind the big picture – we are to glorify God – as we are changed and others are saved.