Sunday School Lesson June 4, 2023
Subject: Jethro and Moses
The Point: Be ready to give and receive godly wisdom.
Scriptures: Exodus 18:9-11, 14-21
Study The Bible: Exodus 18:9-11
1). Acknowledge where you see the hand of God at work.
- Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the Lord had done for Israel when he rescued them from the power of the Egyptians.
- “Blessed be the Lord,” Jethro exclaimed, “who rescued you from the power of Egypt and from the power of Pharaoh. He has rescued the people from under the power of Egypt!
- Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because he did wonders when the Egyptians acted arrogantly against Israel.”
Lasting truths from: Exodus 18:9-11
* There is only one true and living God.
* People need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ so they will worship the true God.
* Christians should be keenly aware of when and where God is at work in the lives of people to join in what He is doing.
2). Offer constructive criticism.
Exodus 18:14-18
- When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, “What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?”
- Moses replied to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
- Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach them God’s statutes and laws.”
- “What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’s father-in-law said to him.
- “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.”
Lasting truths from: Exodus 18:14-18
* Leaders should analyze their church’s structure and processes to make sure they are functioning effectively.
* Church members should be willing to offer positive suggestions if they feel some things need improvement.
* Church leaders should be willing to heed members who sincerely offer positive recommendations.
3). Encourage with sound counsel.
Exodus 18:19-21
- “Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to him.
- Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.
- But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating dishonest profit. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.”
Lasting truth from: Exodus 18:19-21
* Christian leaders should be available to help resolve conflicts among members in a church or community.
* Churches and communities should look for leaders who exhibit the highest levels of ethical behavior.
* An effective church or organization delegates authority and tasks to its mature and qualified members.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What are practical ways you can see God is at work in a church or community?
- If you recognize a problem in your church, how can you make positive suggestions to help resolve it?
- Who do you know who is a mature and wise Christian who you would be comfortable asking for counsel?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”