The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by guest speaker, Mr. Johnnie Powell.
** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **
Title: Building Relationships Through Love and Humility
Summary: In this lesson, Johnnie Powell emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships through love and humility, drawing on Paul's letters to Timothy and Philemon as examples. He encourages the class to reflect on their own gifts, especially the gift of love, and to use them in service to others while maintaining humility and avoiding judgment.
Outline:
1. Introduction
- Opening prayer
- Importance of reflection and self-examination
2. The Context of Paul's Letters
- Overview of Paul's letters to Timothy and Philemon
- Purpose of Paul's instructions and encouragements
3. Self-Reflection and Personal Accountability
- Importance of addressing one's own faults before others'
- Building relationships as a foundation for correction
4. The Gift of Love
- Understanding love as the primary gift from God
- Practical examples of exercising the gift of love in everyday life
5. Relationships and Communication
- Building relationships through shared activities and understanding
- The role of encouragement and constructive feedback in relationships
6. Indoctrination and Learning
- The concept of indoctrination in faith and daily practices
- Examples of early life indoctrination (e.g., parental teachings)
7. Balancing Rich and Poor in the Church
- Avoiding partiality based on economic status
- Importance of humility for the wealthy and contentment for the poor
8. The Role of Prayer and Faith
- Praying for others as a means of building community
- Faith in action: using gifts for the benefit of others
9. Paul's Example with Onesimus
- The story of Onesimus and Philemon
- Lessons on reconciliation and acceptance within the church
10. Closing Thoughts
- Emphasizing the importance of relationships in the body of Christ
- Call to action: being proactive in building and maintaining relationships
11. Closing Prayer
- Prayer for the class and their relationships
- Asking for guidance and strength in living out the lessons learned
