Circumcision Lesson 2 Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Circumcision Lesson 2

Lesson Outline Introduction A. Marked for Life B. Lesson Background Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline Introduction A. Marked for Life B. Lesson Background

X X Marked for Life Try to guess a specific word I have in mind. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock X X Marked for Life Try to guess a specific word I have in mind. I will reveal one clue at a time until someone guesses correctly. Can show affiliation with a group Brought to the U.S. by German immigrant Martin Hildebrandt Banned by Second Council of Nicaea in AD 787 May be a constant reminder of a decision Reveal one clue at a time until the word is guessed.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock X X Marked for Life Became popular with soldiers and sailors during the American Civil War A permanent mark Involves a painful process Affirms a commitment Has become more mainstream in modern society, and even in the church About 30 percent of Americans have at least one such mark Reveal one clue at a time until the word is guessed.

X X Tattoo Marked for Life Have you guessed the word? Item number:467452207 Collection: Graphic: © Nataleana / iStock / Thinkstock® Graphic: © Nataleana / iStock / Thinkstock®

X X Marked for Life Regardless of what one may think of tattoos, such a permanent and visible mark is recognized as a symbol of association and devotion. God gave gave Abraham and his descendants a permanent mark to show that they belonged to Him. But the mark of circumcision was much more intimate and personal than a tattoo on the forearm!

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline I. Great Promise (Genesis 17:1, 2) A. Passage of Time (v. 1) B. Increase of Numbers (v. 2)

Monologues Monologues Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues Read the portion of today’s lesson text that we will give you. After reading it, create a dramatic monologue that starts with the given opening line. When you are done, we will share our attempt of that assignment with you. Monologues

Monologues Great Promise (Genesis 17:1, 2) Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues Great Promise (Genesis 17:1, 2) I was afraid we really blew it with God. But . . . God came to me and promised to keep His covenant! It had been 13 years since Ishmael was born. We thought having a baby with Hagar would fulfill God’s promises. But that did not work out! Now God has spoken again, renewing His promise to give Sarai and me a son of our own.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How does the description of God as Almighty affect you personally? How should it? Talking Points for Your Discussion In terms of courage In terms of confidence Other 10

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline II. New Status (Genesis 17:3-8) A. Father of Nations (vv. 3-7) B. Possession of Land (v. 8)

Monologues Monologues Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues Read the portion of today’s lesson text that we will give you. After reading it, create a dramatic monologue that starts with the given opening line. When you are done, we will share our attempt of that assignment with you. Monologues

Monologues New Name (Genesis 17:3-8) Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues New Name (Genesis 17:3-8) Talk about a fresh start! We even have new, meaningful names! I had a great name for 99 years of my life. Abram means “exalted father,” an honorable name. But now I am called Abraham, meaning “father of many.” God promised to make me the father of many nations. My earthly father gave me a good name, but my heavenly Father has given me a name with a great promise!

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How can we worship in the spirit Abram exhibited without literally falling on our faces? Talking Points for Your Discussion Regarding postures of humility Regarding attitudes of submission Regarding evidence of sincerity Other 14

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? What does the dual fulfillment of this prophecy, regarding seed in singular and plural senses, suggest to you? Talking Points for Your Discussion Regarding what you learn from Israel’s experience Regarding what you learn about your spiritual inheritance in Christ Regarding how you value both physical and spiritual blessings 15

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How does the relationship promise of verse 8 affect you in ways different from knowing God as “Almighty” in verse 1? Talking Points for Your Discussion When facing temptations When facing an uncertain future When grieving the loss of a loved one At other times 16

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline III. Personal Mark (Genesis 17:9-14) A. Significance of Obedience (vv. 9-13) B. Penalty for Disobedience (v. 14)

Monologues Monologues Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues Read the portion of today’s lesson text that we will give you. After reading it, create a dramatic monologue that starts with the given opening line. When you are done, we will share our attempt of that assignment with you. Monologues

Monologues Personal Mark (Genesis 17:9-14) Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Monologues Personal Mark (Genesis 17:9-14) Aren’t signs meant to be seen? But then I understood what God was telling us. While an item of jewelry, a hairstyle, or clothing might communicate my devotion to others, the mark of circumcision speaks of the most intimate of all possible relationships—between God and me. This mark is a reminder that while I may conceal parts of my life from others, there is no part of my life outside of God’s oversight.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? What can we do to cooperate with the Holy ­Spirit in circumcising our hearts? Talking Points for Your Discussion Regarding use of spiritual gifts Regarding management of finances Regarding how we pray Other 20

Which part of his or her life might a new Christian most try to declare “off-limits” to God? Why?

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline Conclusion A. Deal Breaker B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

X X Marked with Life Circumcision was the mark of the old covenant. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock X X Marked with Life Circumcision was the mark of the old covenant. Is there a special, intimate mark of the new covenant? Read Colossians 2:9-12. Note how Paul compares our baptism to circumcision. Reveal one clue at a time until the word is guessed.

X X Marked with Life Pause for a moment and consider your own heart. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock X X Marked with Life Pause for a moment and consider your own heart. Christ began this cutting-away process when you accepted Him as Savior. Thank God for already cutting away certain sins from your life. Reveal one clue at a time until the word is guessed.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock X X Marked with Life Then think of one specific sinful act or attitude He still needs to remove from you. During this week pray regularly that God will continue to mark your life with obedience to him in that regard.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Thought to Remember Our connection with God can result in intimacy greater than any other relationship.

Sabbath Observance Next Week’s Lesson Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Next Week’s Lesson Sabbath Observance