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Bible Study

Artist: Tobymac
Song: The Elements
Album: The Elements
Featured In: MVL 103

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Tobymac

Leader Guide

Artist: Tobymac
Album: The Elements
Label: Capitol Christian Music Group
Song: The Elements
From: MVL 103
Writer: Doug Ranck | Free Methodist Church | Santa Barbara, California

Theme(s): God's: Sovereignty Faith: Assurance Difficulties: Hope Within

Objective

Life can be difficult. We all face challenges and trials. God has not promised that we will escape all of them, but He has promised to walk with us in the midst of them. These trials and challenges come from a world where we are dealt pressures and circumstances beyond our personal control. God also reminds us through the Bible and His works He is in control. In this lesson students will discover God’s unlimited power and ability to care for our every need as we face the outside forces impacting us.

Warm Up

Hand out the Student Guides. Encourage your students to find a comfortable space and a partner – give them 10 minutes to complete the Out of Control assignment. When students have completed their work bring them back together and invite them to share their “out of control” items. Follow with these questions:

If you had to choose, which of these would you consider the most difficult? Why?
Which of these items do you think we most often try to influence even though we know we can’t?
How do people most often respond when life seems too challenging?

Transition

Say something like, “You may have heard the statement, ‘Life is not fair.’ We live in a world tainted by sin – and the consequences are disease, discouragement, separation, pain, and death. We would like to think that we can get through life without these experiences, but by now we know better. We will face all of these at different levels and there may be moments where we have lost hope or will lose hope. Today’s lesson will remind us that God has a bigger plan and knows the ‘elements’ we face. He is in charge, walks with us through these times, brings momentary victories in this life, and ultimate victory in the promise of eternal life. Tobymac has made a music video declaring the importance of being ready to stand and fight those elements with the power of God.”

The Video

While the video is playing, invite the students to complete the Game Plan activity and then discuss it when the video has ended.

How does the video portray the challenge of living in this world? It was filmed in Iceland. What are some of the big challenges of living there? How is this similar to the harsh elements we face?
The songwriter says, “This ain’t our home, nah, not even close.” What does he mean by this?
He says “the elements push me to the fence and then I end on top of it.” Why is it important to not be “on the fence”?
The songwriter also asks God to “open my eyes to these elements.” How does it help us to identify them?

Transition

Say something like, “God is stronger than all the world can throw at us and He showed how big He is through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The apostle Paul illustrates our big God through His love from which we can never be separated.”

Bible Study

Have your group members turn in their Bibles to Romans 8:28-39 and also to the Fighting Words section in their Student Guides. Encourage them to pair up with one other person in the group to work on this section. After a suitable amount of time, have everyone come back together. Follow up the group study with these questions:

If you were to summarize this passage in two points what would you say?
How did you define those theological words found in verse 30? (Leaders: Do your homework on these words previous to the session. There may be different interpretations but help students point toward the central focus of God’s love and purpose for them.)
How do these words help us to better understand God’s plan and purpose for us?
In your observation of other Christians do you sense they feel more like conquerors or beaten down warriors? Why?
Read together verses 37-39. Read them aloud and with enthusiasm.

Wrap Up

The songwriter says, “Stand up and rise to these elements, I’m willing to fight.” Ask your students if they believe that is true of them. Challenge them to identify the obstacle that most often separates them from the love of God. Give them a moment to write down, under Action Point, one way they will seek to let God fight for them. If you feel it is appropriate, have students share their action point and pray for them specifically as you close.