Pastor John began with passages from the book of Genesis to emphasize the need for the “created” to be with the source from which it is created in order that it may be sustained and thrive. For example, plants need the earth (Genesis 1:11); sea creatures need the water (Genesis 1:20); the birds need the sky (Genesis 1:20-21) and living creatures on the land need the earth to sustain them (Genesis 1:24). And then, what about man?
Man is created in God’s image and likeness therefore, man needs to be connected to God in order to live and to exist (Genesis 1:26-27, Acts 17:28). Man is the only creation that God breathes life into and this makes man a living soul (Genesis 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:45). For this reason, there is immeasurable value in a human soul for he carries a part of God in him that made him superior to all other creatures and creation. This also gives man immeasurable value in the sight of God and continues to be the focus of God’s attention (job 17:7).
Even King David marveled that God cares and thinks of man in Psalm 144:3. Pastor John shared of a time when he asked God why He would prefer man over all His creation. And God revealed to him that the relationship God has with us cannot be replicated nor replaceable. Each child is unique and precious to God – the value of one’s soul exceeds what the world can offer for ransom (Psalms 49:6-8).
A soul ravaged by sin is separated from the life of God and is destined to burn in the eternal lake of fire. Sin kills and destroys man. God is against sin because it takes man away from Him. Nothing in all creation can redeem man. Only the life of God himself can pay the price to redeem man. Jesus came and died for the sins of the whole world (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 1:18-19). The first man Adam became a living soul when God breathed into him and the last Adam, Jesus is a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).
Jesus promises in Matthew 10:42 that anyone who gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is his disciple will receive a reward. God’s revelation of the value of a soul to Pastor John prompted him to change the course of his life. Since then, he values what God values and loves what God loves. He has devoted his life to winning souls. We are told in Proverbs 11:30 that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who is wise wins souls. In closing, Psalm 90:12 urges: So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Let us review our lives and consider whether what we are presently living for is worth what Jesus died for?
Discussion Questions
1) What might be the most precious thing you have ever had in your life? Why is it of high value to you? [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: Ask members to think of/pick an item that is of great value and share briefly why it is worthy. Summarise what they are sharing and help members to see the different reasons of how an item deserves value. Generally when something is accorded with importance, it will be cherished and appreciated. The value of an item is as great as the way we perceive it to be. Some intangibles such as trust, health, time, forgiveness can be considered priceless but often we take these for granted and do not cherish.
2) From the sermon, we learn that the human soul is of immense value to God. Imagine you have to tell someone that he/she matters to God. What would you say?[10 min]
Leader’s Notes: Have members share with the group as long as the message conveys God’s love and priority for man. Alternatively, member may recall a personal experience or revelation he/she has that convinced him/her of the value of a soul.
3) Psalm 90:2 says “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”(ESV) Consider this scripture and share how you can live more wisely. [ 10min]
Leader’s Notes: Members can look up the different translations of this verse:
- Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)
- Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom (NLT)
- So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.(NASB)
- Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! (MSG)
- Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should (TLB)
The verse cautions us to use our time on earth wisely and that God wants us to grow in wisdom. Get members to relate & reflect on what it means to be a wise follower of Christ. The dictionary defines a wise person as one who has the power of discerning and judging correctly. What does the bible say about those who are wise? Some scriptures to refer to :
Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.
Matthew 7:24 - [The Wise and Foolish Builders ] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Luke 12:42 - The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
4) Pastor John said:” Loving God is loving what He loves and valuing what He values.” Share an area in your life that you are working at or wish to align with this. [10 min]
Leader’s Notes:This is a response question. Encourage members to share with concrete steps to reach out to specific people in their spheres of influence to love and value them as God in Christ Jesus has shown us. Perhaps, we need to deal with issues of unforgiveness or offences committed against us by others. End with prayer.
