A Time to be Bold; A Time to be Humble

Sunday School Lesson: A Time to be Bold; A Time to beHumbleTheme: The Dual Nature of Prayer — Humility andConfidence Scripture: Genesis 18:25-27; Luke 18:9-14; 1 John 5:14-15I. Lesson ObjectiveTo help students understand that biblical prayer is not achoice between boldness and humility, but a simultaneous exercise of both.Students will learn to approach God with the "reverent audacity" seenin Abraham, the "contrite heart" described by Jesus, and the"assured submission" recorded by John.II. Defining Biblical BoldnessBefore looking at the text, we must define what"boldness" means in a spiritual context. In the scriptures, boldnessis not arrogance or "demanding" something from God; it is Confidence. III. The Tension of Prayer IV. Scripture AnalysisPart 1: The Posture of Humility (Genesis 18:25-27) Part 2: The Heart of Humility (Luke 18:9-14) 1.                     Justification through Humility: It is theone who recognizes their need for mercy, not the one who lists their merits,who is justified.2.                     True Humility vs. Religious Pride:Humility is an honest assessment of our spiritual poverty before a holy God.Part 3: The Foundation of Boldness (1 John 5:14-15)