1. Faithful Seekers of the King
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Faithful Seekers of the King
Lesson 4

2. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. Thanks, but No Thanks! B. Lesson Background

3. Gift List It is hard to find the perfect Christmas gift.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Gift List
It is hard to find the perfect Christmas gift.
Even good intentions can lead to some less than ideal gifts!
Following are some questions about Christmas gifts.
Turn to those around you and discuss each question.
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4. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Gift List
Which of the following would you least like to receive as a gift? Tell why.
A traditional holiday fruitcake
A diet book
A homemade sweater
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5. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Gift List
Which of the following would you most like to receive as a gift? Tell why.
A clean bill of health
A visit from an old friend
A no-drama family gathering
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6. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Gift List
Which of the following would be a great gift for some but not for others? Tell why.
The latest electronic gadget
Stationery
A family photo
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7. Gift List This is a season of giving and receiving gifts.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Gift List
This is a season of giving and receiving gifts.
When we give gifts, we want to give something that is appreciated.
Today we will get some tips from some of the most famous gift-givers in history.
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8. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Lesson Outline
I. Making the Effort (Matthew 2:1, 2) A. Long Trip (v. 1) B. Clear Goal (v. 2)

9. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
🎵Christmas Tweets
Twitter is unique among social media websites because it limits the length of messages.
Each message (“tweet”) can contain no more than 140 characters.
Read a portion of the text and try to summarize it as a tweet reflecting the thoughts of the wise men in that portion of the text.
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10. 🎵Christmas Tweets 🎵Christmas Tweets Read Matthew 2:1, 2.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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🎵Christmas Tweets
🎵Christmas Tweets
Read Matthew 2:1, 2.
In 140 characters or less, try to summarize the thoughts of the wise men on their long journey to Jerusalem.
We ask ourselves whether or not this trip is worth it. But even though the trip is hard, we know what lies at the end of it. We are going to meet a king like no other in history. [140 characters]
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11. 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 steps can we take to be ready when the unchurched ask questions about Jesus?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding hospitality preparedness
Regarding preparedness to give biblical answers
Regarding awareness of their life situation
Other 11

12. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
II. Probing for Information (Matthew 2:3-8) A. Knowing Whom to Ask (vv. 3-6) B. Knowing Whom to Trust (vv. 7, 8)

13. 🎵Christmas Tweets 🎵Christmas Tweets Read Matthew 2:3-8.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
🎵Christmas Tweets
🎵Christmas Tweets
Read Matthew 2:3-8.
In 140 characters or less, try to summarize the thoughts of the wise men after their meeting with Herod.
The palace seems like a logical place to find the new, great king. And the king there was inquisitive. He sent us to a small town close by and wants us to report back. [138 characters]
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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 are some ways to respond to culture’s discomfort with Jesus?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When Jesus’ divinity is denied
When Jesus’ relevance is dismissed
When Christians are discriminated against
Other 14

15. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What Do You Think?
What steps should you take to gain greater understanding of Scripture, not just greater knowledge of it?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Considering Satan’s ability to quote Scripture (Matthew 4:6)
Considering culture’s misuse of Scripture 15

16. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
III. Worshipping the King (Matthew 2:9-12) A. Right Place, Right Time (vv. 9, 10) B. Good Attitude, Great Gifts (v. 11) C. Spiritual Insight, Wise Choice (v. 12)

17. 🎵Christmas Tweets 🎵Christmas Tweets Read Matthew 2:9-12.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
🎵Christmas Tweets
🎵Christmas Tweets
Read Matthew 2:9-12.
In 140 characters or less, try to summarize the thoughts of the wise men after finding the one sought.
We found Him and offered gifts worthy of a prophet, priest, and king. Wow! But God warned us in a dream to stay clear of evil King Herod, who is nothing like Jesus! [132 characters]
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18. Horizontal Visual
Display this visual and discuss why the gifts of the wise men matched Jesus’ true nature and ministry.

19. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What questions could we ask ourselves to help ensure that generosity accompanies worship?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding what links generosity with worship
Regarding what drives a wedge between generosity and worship 19

20. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What Do You Think?
When was a time you sensed God’s leading through something other than His Word? What did that experience teach you?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Positive lessons
Negative lessons 20

21. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Speaking Our Language B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

22. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Perfect Gifts
We feel we have accomplished something when we give the perfect gift.
Think of the people closest to you.
Discuss with others the perfect non-material gift you would like to give each one on that list.
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23. Perfect Gifts A parent A child A spouse A best friend
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Perfect Gifts
A parent
A child
A spouse
A best friend
A Christian leader
A coworker
A relatively new acquaintance
A person in need
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24. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Thought to Remember
God will light the way for those who seek to bring Him glory.

25. FAITH TO UNITE Next Week’s Lesson Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Next Week’s Lesson
FAITH TO UNITE