Session 8: Secured
Suggested Week of Use: April 19, 2020
Core Passage: Romans 8:12-25
News Story Summary
According to a poll conducted in mid-March by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Americans are increasingly concerned that the coronavirus outbreak will affect them or their loved ones. In February, less than half of Americans were worried about the virus. By mid-March, that percentage had risen to two-thirds. However, only three in ten were highly worried about contracting the virus. While many say they are taking preventive actions, seven percent of the respondents said they aren’t following the suggested guidelines for avoiding the virus.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the term “AP-NORC poll, coronavirus fear spikes among Americans.”)
Focus Attention
To replace the Match idea under Focus Attention, begin by sharing how the pandemic has affected you and your family. Lead the group to discuss feelings of insecurity, fear, or other emotions that have arisen because of safer at home initiatives and the continuous news about the spread of the virus.
Share the information from the news article, emphasizing how the sense of fear increased in just one month. Invite the group to suggest how they believe the results of the poll might be different if taken today. Say: When unexpected events happen, insecurity often rushes in because nothing is the same as it used to be. In today’s lesson, we’ll see that whatever the circumstances, we have a secure future as children of God. Complete the step as written, using the Transition idea.
Summarize and Challenge
To supplement the Challenge idea under Summarize and Challenge, begin by reminding the group of the spike in fears about the virus. Say: Paul contrasted living in the flesh with living in the Spirit. Guide the group to think about the differences between these two lifestyles; how living in the Spirit gives us a sense of security in uncertain times and how we can reach out to unbelievers during times of uncertainty to help them accept the security found in Jesus Christ. Complete the step as written, pointing to the third question set as encouraged.