Growing Together Group (GTG) Book forTeacher

Salomon FIDS Character: Objective: Bible Reading: Humility Students show humility with 1 Kings 3:4-14 all the blessings God has given to them FEELINGS - IMAGINE - DO - SHARE The mentor introduces \"FIDS\": 1.Ask the students to recognize the FEELINGS of the Bible characters as they got into or live in a certain situation 2.Give time for the students to IMAGINE particular things in their life that needs to be improved or changed, as the action of obedience 3.Ask the students to DO something as the Bible characters do for their commitment to grow 4.Ask the students to SHARE their experience when living according to the Bible character: what they were struggling with and how they felt when succeeded 93

SOLOMON, AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 1. INTRODUCTION The mentor introduces Solomon's life, a biblical character from the Old Testament, who lived in humility, then: Ask the students to recognize Solomon's FEELINGS when he lives in humility. Ask the students to IMAGINE their life: what particular things in their daily life need to be improved or changed as the action of humility. Ask the students to DO something (humility) in their daily life as the Bible characters do for their commitment to grow Ask the students to SHARE their experiences when living in humility: what they were struggling with and how they felt when succeeded. 2. Solomon, an Example of Humility in the Old Testament. Solomon was a descendant of King David who became the third king of Israel. He was very intelligent and full of wisdom; no one could match him. When he became the king to replace his father, Solomon was very young, teenage, and inexperienced. Although very young, 94

Solomon was very obedient to God's commands and decrees with all his heart and actions. One day he went to Gibeon to offer a thousand burnt offerings on the altar as a thanksgiving. At night, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”' (1 Kings 3:5). God offered Solomon whatever he asked for. Although Solomon could ask for anything and any amount, he wisely answered the Lord: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (v. 9). He did not ask for long life, wealth, nor the lives of his enemies; but a heart of wisdom and understanding. This is a very simple and humble request. Concerning this request, there are two important things: 1.Solomon realized that he became the king, not because of his own strength and ability but God's grace to his father, David, who had lived faithfully, righteously, and honestly with God. Solomon's throne is a fulfillment of God's promise to David. 2.Israel was a great nation, innumerable and God's chosen people. Therefore, Solomon had to lead and shepherd God's people according to God's will, not Solomon's own will. Solomon realized that he was very young and did not have the ability to govern God's people. So he asked a discerning heart to understand and distinguish between right and wrong. 95

TO FEEL The mentor asks the students to recognize the FEELINGS of Solomon when he showed humility. Solomon realized that he was very young and did not have the ability to govern God's people. So he asked a discerning heart to understand and distinguish between right and wrong. Guidelines to help the students recognize Solomon's feelings when he showed humility: 1.How did Solomon feel when the LORD offered, \"Ask what I shall give you\"? 2.How would I feel if I receive the same opportunity as Solomon: to ask God for anything? 3.If I were in Solomon, what would I have asked for? 96

TO IMAGINE The mentor gives chance for the students TO IMAGINE the particular things in their daily life that need to be improved or changed as the action of humility. If we have an opportunity to be asked by God: \"Ask what I shall give you\", maybe we will ask for many things because we tend to be greedy and arrogant. In order to help the students be aware of their inability to be humble, the mentor needs to help them explore and think about it. Guidelines to help the students imagine their humble or not humble attitude: 1.In what ways am I often humble or not humble? 2.What makes me humble or not humble? 3.Why am I humble or not humble? 4.How often am I humble or not humble? 5.What will happen if I am humble or not humble? 97

TO DO The mentor asks the students TO DO something to show their humble attitude in their daily life as their commitment to grow. Humility is being aware of one's weaknesses and inadequacies. Someone with humility will not arrogant, boastful, or take advantage of opportunities for his own interests. To practice a humble attitude, the students are asked to do the \"Be Humble in All Things\" activity. For example, not being arrogant about wealth or intelligence. 1. “Be Humble in All Things” Activity Guidelines for doing the “Be Humble in All Things” activity: In what ways will I be humble? How long will I do the activity? How do I do the activity? What do I need to be able to do the activity? Who can help me with the activity? The activity for “Be Humble in All Things” should be written down for the participant’s personal record as well as to share with others. 98

TO DO 2. Learn together The mentor asks the students to talk about the “Be Humble in All Things” activity that they did. Guidelines to learn together: Did I do my best to follow the “Be Humble in All Things” activity plan? Was my activity successful or did I fail to do the activity? Why did I succeed? Why did I fail? How do I feel if I succeeded? How do I feel if I failed? What supports and hinders me in carrying out the activity? What did I learn from the activity “Be Humble in All Things”? 99

TO SHARE The mentor asks the students TO SHARE their experiences practicing a humble attitude: what they were struggling with and how they felt when they succeeded. Sharing the experience of doing the “Be Humble in All Things” activity is a good thing because it can bring a positive influence (become a blessing) on others. Therefore, each student is asked to share his/her “Be Humble in All Things” activity with others. Guidelines to share my “Be Humble in All Things” activity: 1.To whom will I share my experience about the “Be Humble in All Things” activity? 2.How will I share my experience about the “Be Humble in All Things” activity? 3.What positive things will I share with others about the “Be Humble in All Things” activity? 100

FEEL ING-IMAGINE-DO- SHARE