Session 10: Loved
Suggested Week of Use: February 2, 2020
Core Passage: Deuteronomy 6:1-13
News Story Summary
In January, a man proposed to his high school sweetheart by changing the end of the animated movie “Sleeping Beauty,” and placing his girlfriend and himself in the final scenes.
Lee Loechler worked for six months with an illustrator to make it look like the animated prince tossed an engagement ring to Loechler. Then, Loechler stood up, “caught” the ring (the real one was already in his hand), got down on one knee and proposed to Sthuthi David, a cardiology resident.
In addition to working out the animation, Loechler also convinced a theater in Massachusetts to rent it out to him for one showing of Sleeping Beauty, David’s favorite movie. Family and friends sat in the very back of the theater, and volunteers filled up the remaining space.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the term “Sleeping Beauty proposal.”)
Focus Attention
To replace the Discuss idea under Focus Attention, invite individuals as they arrive to share ways of expressing love to people. Encourage them to discuss the different ways love is expressed to friends, family, church members, and co-workers. After most have arrived, share a summary of the proposal story of the man who proposed to his girlfriend by changing the ending of “Sleeping Beauty.” Ask: How is expressing love for your spouse or future spouse different than expressing love to God? Explain that today’s Bible study will focus on how loving God is expressed in our obedience to Him. Complete the step as written.
Challenge
To supplement the Summarize and Challenge ideas, conclude the group time by reminding the group of the Sleepy Beauty marriage proposal. Ask: How is the love between husband and wife similar to the love between God and His children? Why does love for God naturally lead to obeying Him? Explain to the group that God wants an intimate relationship with His people that results in obedience to Him because they trust Him. Emphasize that obedience without relationship is legalism, which is not what God desires. Obedience should be an outflow of love, not a means of earning God’s love. Challenge the group to evaluate in the days ahead whether their obedience to God stems from their love for Him. Close in prayer.