LESSON FOURTY FOUR (44)
TOPIC: MEMORIES
BIBLE PASSAGE: I Samuel 17:33-37 NKJV
[33] And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
[34] But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, [35] I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.
[36] Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.”
[37] Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
MEMORY VERSE: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: Memories are events or experiences that happened in the past. God designed us each with memory – the capacity and capability of the human brain to store and retrieve past events. The human memory is utilised continuously moment-by-moment to record what is going on in our lives even things done secretly. This lesson shall highlight some facts about human memory and how believers should manage their memories.
OUTLINES:
1. Facts About Human Memory
2. Managing Our Memories
1. FACTS ABOUT HUMAN MEMORY
The human memory is involved in virtually almost what we do as humans:
1. It records what is ongoing in our lives, even mental images in our sleep (Genesis 41:1-8). Without it, we have no identity and purpose, and life will be meaningless.
2. It provides us with a source of the direction of what to do and how to do it through experience (1 Samuel 17: 33-37).
3. The capacity of the human brain (memory) is believed to be approximately 2.5 million gigabytes or 2,500 terabytes (2.5 petabytes). This storage device can store up to 300 years of continually recorded non-stop television video.
4. Unlike a hard disk drive, you cannot delete memory from your brain. If you stop thinking about certain memories and focus on others, they will slowly recede into the background. Some memories may not recede but are inaccessible, they are not entirely gone and could potentially be retrieved (Daniel 4:33-34, 36).
5. Memories are spiritual and part of our soul for instance; the martyrs could still recall how they were treated on earth (Revelation 6:9-10).
6. The entire body will decay in death but the memory and soul will remain.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the other facts about the human memory?
2. MANAGING OUR MEMORIES
Our memories can be pleasant or unpleasant which may be triggered by something we have seen or heard; or will just appear in our mind without a ‘trigger.’
However, as believers:
1. We should know what to dwell on and what to let go of (Philippians 4:8).
2. We should treasure things that are inspiring in our hearts. Be it prophecies, revelation from the scriptures, and so on. One of the ways of doing this is by taking notes (Luke 2:19).
3. We should recall what the Lord has done; how he drew us unto repentance and salvation, His faithfulness, kindness, and so on (Ephesians 2:11-13). This, in turn, provokes worship that glorifies God and brings strength, courage, hope, and faith when we struggle with afflictions and oppositions (Psalm 8:1-4; 1 Samuel 17:36-37).
4. We should recall others in our prayers, be they unsaved family members, co-workers, or friends in tough situations (2 Timothy 1:3-5; Hebrews 13:3).
5. The painful memories we recall should be handed over to our Saviour who can pour out love and comfort, to restore our broken hearts (Psalm 116:3-5; Hebrews 4:15).
6. Everyone will one day be just “a memory.” We should live in such a way that we would leave the stage with a good memory of ourselves to encourage and inspire others after our death (Proverbs 10:7; Psalm 112:6).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Aside from spiritual matters, what other memories can believers cherish and dwell on?
CONCLUSION: Humans have the power to store a vast amount of experiences throughout their lives, but as believers, we should know which to recall or to let go, to the glory of God.
QUESTIONS
* Mention four facts about human memory.
* Identify four ways of managing our memories
FURTHER READING: SUN: 2Tim.1:3-5; MON: Ps.116:3-5; TUE: Gen.41:1-8. WED: 1Sam.17:33-37; THUR: Dan.2:1-6; FRI: Eph.2:11-13; SAT: Ps.8:1-4.
ASSIGNMENT: Recollect five (5) events or experiences that you are grateful to God about (No Marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?