Intermediate Session
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Luke 12:13-21
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God of all gifts,
you have given us your commandments to show us how to live.
Help us treat one another with love and respect.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today’s session is finding true riches in God. To begin, make two columns on a chalkboard or large sheet of paper. Title one column Godly Treasures and the other Material Treasures. Invite the children to brainstorm which treasures fit under each title. Discuss:
- Which treasures are most important to you?
- Do you thank God for the treasures that you have been given?
- Can material treasures get in the way of our relationship with God? Explain.
Allow time for discussion. Wanting material treasures and keeping them for ourselves can keep us from loving God and others. The tenth commandment warns us about greed and envy.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how selfishness can keep us from loving God.
Read Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- How does this reading warn against doing things for selfish reasons alone?
- What is vanity?
- How can vanity turn a person away from God?
In the Gospel reading listen to find out what we need to be on guard against.
Read Luke 12:13-21.
Allow for silence.
- What must we be on guard against?
- Where are true riches found in life?
- Why does Jesus tell the story of a rich landowner?
- Why is it harmful to store up riches for one’s self?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In today’s Old Testament reading the author states that, “All things are vanity.” This statement brings to light the harmful nature of human effort for the sake of personal gain alone. Material wealth and accomplishments are not lasting. True riches and lasting security can be found in God alone.
The Gospel reading today also stresses that we can only find our treasure in God. When God comes first in our lives, all other things are put in the right place. Today’s passage begins with a warning against all kinds of greed. Jesus tells the story of a rich landowner who foolishly plans to store his treasure. This story stresses the point that greed only blocks one from acquiring what is really important. What is most important in life is a close relationship with God.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How can you grow rich in God’s sight?
- How do you share what you have with others?
- How does God come first in your life?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Tenth Commandment
The tenth commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods,” warns against greed and avarice. Greed is the desire to constantly want more and more things. Avarice is the intense desire for wealth and power. The tenth commandment also warns against envy. Envy is the feeling of resentment over another person’s belongings. Greed, avarice and envy can lead to terrible crimes of violence and injustice.
Our faith teaches us to value the human person and to treat one another with dignity and respect. Wanting what another person has is wrong when it leads to a disrespect and disregard for that person.
Following the tenth commandment keeps our hearts in the right place. It keeps us thankful for the gifts that God has given us.
- Do you ever want what other people have?
- Have you felt envy toward another person?
- How can you keep your heart in the right place?
The Gospel in Life
This week thank God for all the treasures that you have been given, and look for ways to share what you have with others.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 15
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 18
Grade 6, chapter 2
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