This quarter’s study begins with God’s demands for our complete and undivided love as shown in passages from Deuteronomy and Psalms. It proceeds with our response to God’s love in the advent of Christ, and the epistles’ interpretations of the nature and extent of our responses to God’s love in Christ. It concludes with passages from three of the psalms expressing glorification of God.

UNIT 1 • God Commands Our Love, Respect, and Obedience

The Deuteronomy passage contains a presentation of God’s demand for total love and devotion. The session from Joshua contains his faithful statement of love and reverence for a liberating God. In Psalm 103, David expresses love and glorification of God for God’s creative, sustaining, and protective actions. Luke portrays the advent of Christ and human response to God’s act of fulfillment of God’s promise. We are challenged in Matthew to love God through compassionate works.

Lesson 1: December 2, 2018

Love and Devotion

Deuteronomy 6:1–9

In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, people search for a foundation on which to make decisions. What is that foundation? God instructed the Israelites that the basis for meeting all of life’s circumstances is to love God absolutely, and Matthew records that Jesus repeated those instructions.

Lesson 2: December 9, 2018

Choose to Love and Serve God

Joshua 24:1–3, 13–15, 21–24

At critical junctures in life, people are forced to make life-changing decisions. How do they

decide which path to take? When challenged by Joshua to serve God or other gods, the Israelites definitively chose to love and serve God.

Lesson 3: December 16, 2018

Love and Worship God

Psalm 103:1–17, 21–22

People feel anxiety and confusion when they remember their personal failures and as they continually face life’s trials. What consolation is there? The psalmist lists the many reasons God’s steadfast love inspires enthusiastic thanksgiving rather than dismay.

Lesson 4: December 23, 2018

(Christmas Lesson)

Jesus: God’s Loving Promise

Luke 1:26–31; 2:22, 25–35

Some people wait a long time for a promise to be kept. What assurance do we have that God’s promise about salvation will be kept? God’s angel spoke to Mary, and the Holy Spirit spoke through Simeon, to declare that in Jesus God was sending a Savior and keeping the promise.

Lesson 5: December 30, 2018

Modeling God’s Love

Matthew 25:31–46

Responsible people are pulled in a multitude of directions in trying to take care of themselves and their families. Why then would one extend effort beyond self and family? Jesus teaches His disciples that loving acts to the forsaken and needy are really demonstrations of love to Him.

UNIT 2 • Loving God by Trusting Christ

Matthew continues to inspire trust in God for all things, while James encourages total submission to God in love. In his letter to the

Philippians, Paul gives an interpretation of human devotion to God in Christ; promotes selfless devotion through exemplification of Christ’s total submission to God in love; and encourages giving up everything for the sake of one’s love for Christ.

Lesson 6: January 6 , 2019

Hold Fast to God’s Love

2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5; 2 John 4–11

Effective personal relationships are often thwarted by destructive forces. What can counteract these forces? Paul and John instruct the believers to walk steadfastly in the love of God by loving one another and following God’s commandments.

Lesson 7: January 13, 2019

Submit to God in Love

James 4:1–10

Destructive thoughts and desires lead to further destructive behavior. What can be done to break this cruel cycle? James asserts that loving and obeying God opens the door to God’s blessings and frees us from conflicts and disputes.

Lesson 8: January 20, 2019

Submit to God in Christ

Philippians 1:12–21

It is easy to become demoralized by difficult circumstances and adversaries. How can people maintain their joy? Paul willingly submits to God’s will and rejoices that his sufferings have led to further proclamation of the Gospel.

Lesson 9: January 27, 2019

Devote All to Christ

Philippians 2:1–11

Personal interests and selfish ambitions can lead to controversies that threaten our relationships. How can people overcome their divisiveness? Paul commends the example of Christ, who humbly emptied Himself in order to serve God and others through His sacrifice.

Lesson 10: February 3, 2019

Renounce Everything for Christ

Philippians 3:7–14

People strive to enhance their standing before others by calling attention to their abilities and honors. What is the proper attitude toward our accomplishments? Paul tells the Philippians that he willingly suffered the loss of his accomplishments for the greater goal of gaining and being found in Christ.

UNIT 3 • Love Songs That Glorify God

The quarter ends with Psalm 48, which focuses on a song of adoration for God’s steadfast love; Psalm 66 focuses on part of a love song of praise to God for all God’s mighty works of goodness; and Psalm 91 closes this unit with a praise song to God for assurance of protection and comfort for those who love God

Lesson 11: February 10, 2019

Pondering God’s Steadfast Love

Psalm 48:1–3, 9–14

In a world of constant change, nothing seems permanent or of abiding worth. What abides when everything else seems to be in flux? The psalmist ponders the steadfast, everlasting, and all-inclusive love of God while worshiping God in the Temple.

Lesson 12: February 17 , 2019

Praising God’s Mighty Works

Psalm 66:1–9, 16–20

People marvel at the legacies of those whose powerful influence has changed the world. What is the true measure of might? The psalmist praises the mighty works of God, the Creator of the universe and the Savior of God’s people.

Lesson 13: February 24 , 2019

Living with God’s Loving Assurance

Psalm 91:1–8, 11–16

People often live in fear that misfortune will befall them. Where can we find protection from danger? The psalmist looks to God for protection in the midst of life’s calamities.