eco environmental bible studies written by: tammy lawlor...

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ECO Environmental Bible Studies

Written by: Tammy Lawlor

Vineyard Church of Columbus

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Session 1: Sense of Earth, Glimpse of Heaven

(Lesson Length: Approximately 1 hour & 10 minutes)

Introduction and Prayer (5 minutes): Briefly discuss the focus of this study with your small group so they understand the theme of the bible study. Then begin with a prayer that focuses on the interrelationship between God, humanity, and creation. A good resource for prayer ideas is found at http://www.osfphila.org/sp/pryr_svcs/prayer_earth_day.html which has prayer suggestions for World Earth Day that would apply to this study and subsequent environmental bible studies.

Worship Suggestions (10-15 minutes): Play hymns or praise and worship songs that refer to nature or Creation before the bible study begins. Songs such as the hymn, “This Is My Father’s

World” and Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable” would be an appropriate tie-in to the study material.

Teacher Introduction: Often considered the “first environmentalist”, Sierra Club founder, John Muir sought to reconcile his Christian faith with his concern for the natural world. In all of God’s creation, he saw nature as a reflection of the beauty and love of Almighty God. In a quote from

his book, John of the Mountains (1938), he stated:

This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at

once; a shower is forever falling; vapor ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset,

eternal dawn and gloaming, on seas and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the

round earth rolls.1

Icebreaker Question (5 minutes):

1. Can you think of an image of how nature is represented in the Bible? How is the

imagery used to reveal a biblical truth?

Teacher Notes: Ancient religions, including Christianity, have featured nature prominently in their beliefs and texts. Although we as Christians are called to admire nature, we are not to worship it as the early Egyptians or other ancient cultures did (having a Sun God for example). Our sacred text begins with a picture of the earth in all

of its glory, as God intended it to be.

Nature, as God Intended It: Read Genesis 1:1-31 (30 minutes)

2. God loves all that He has created. How do you think people, in particular Christians,

justify their exploitation of nature?

3. Look at Genesis 1:28. God says that humans will “subdue” the earth. What did God

really mean when he said this?

1Sierra Club website on the works of their founder, John Muir:

http://www.sierraclub.org/John_Muir_exhibit/frameindex.html?http://www.sierraclub.org/John_Muir_exhi

bit/writings/

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4. What word do you think would be a helpful synonym for the word “subdue” that would help people better understand what God’s intent was for humanity’s relationship with

Creation?

5. How do human beings differ from all other living creatures (1:26-27)?

6. How should human beings, created in God’s image, then interact with nature?

7. How do you think that humans can best help the environment and living creatures

today?

Application Question: 10 minutes

8. In what ways do you try to live harmoniously with Creation? In what ways can you be

more obedient in this area of your Christian life?

Closing Prayer: 5 minutes

Come Holy Spirit, we invite your presence. Father God, thank you for the beauty found in everything you have created. Lord you ask us to be faithful stewards of the earth and will hold us responsible for our interactions with the natural world. Help us to be caretakers of the natural world and instill in us a respect for your Creation. Speak to us each personally about the ways we can serve you to be faithful stewards of the environment.

We pray this in Jesus’ name...Amen.

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Session Two: Disobeying the Voice of the Garden



Worship Suggestions (10-15 minutes): Play hymns or praise and worship songs that refer to nature or Creation before the bible study begins. Song suggestions: “God of Wonders” and

“Awesome God” would be an appropriate tie-in to the study material.

Teacher Introduction: Charles Spurgeon, a pastor of a London church from over 100

years ago stated the following in a sermon titled, “God’s Providence”:

I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom

more or less than God wishes—that every particle of spray that dashes against the

steamboat has its orbit, as well as the sun in the heavens—that the chaff from the handoff

the winnower is steered as the stars in their courses. The creeping of an aphid over the

rosebud is as much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence—the fall of…leaves

from a poplar is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche.2

Reflecting on the Quote (5 minutes):

1. What do you think this passage reveals about who/what controls natural forces? What

are the possible implications of this passage?


2. Consider a place from childhood or in recent times that has changed as a result of

human activity. What was that place and what about it was destroyed?

2 John Piper, Desiring God (Sisters, Oregon: Multinomah Publishers, Inc, 2003), 344.

Charles Spurgeon, “God’s Providence,” sermon on Ezekiel 1:15-19 in 1908, in Metropolitan Tabernacle

Pulpit (Banner of Truth), 493.

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Losing Eden: Read: Genesis 3:17-19 (25 minutes)

3. How did the first sin affect our relationship with Creation (3:17-19)? Where do we see

signs of this curse at work today?

4. (Fill in the Blank) We must not act independently from God or what He has created, but recognize our interdependence on God and what He provides through nature (food, shelter, etc.).

5. Do you think that the curse of sin leaves humanity powerless to solve environmental

problems? (Hint: Are we still living under the curse?)

6. What are the consequences of not relying on God’s natural rules according to this

passage?

7. Do you think that we are paying the price for environmental problems that affect the world today as a result of our wasteful actions or do you think that natural

problems/disasters are not caused by human activity?


8. Humans are created in the image of God and therefore are able to create and destroy. How can you use your creative abilities on an individual (or small group) level to sustain

the environment?


Come Holy Spirit, we invite your presence. Father God, we praise you for being an intimate God who desires to walk amongst us to guide us and speak to us about all things. You were the Voice in the Garden of Eden and walked daily with Adam and Eve, but sin destroyed this perfect picture of intimacy. We know that you are Creator and that all good things come from your hand. You have restored us, removing this curse through the saving work of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to listen to you so that our work is filled with purpose and not futility and that we would work to improve and not destroy what you have created. All good things are a gift from your hand. Help us to recognize

this truth, and live by this truth daily. In Jesus’ name…Amen.

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Session Three: Pointing to Earth and Sky



Worship Suggestions (10-15 minutes): Continue to play songs with themes of God and creation. This week’s lesson is about how Creation reveals the majesty and infinite wisdom of God. Song suggestions: Chris Tomlin’s “Wonderful Maker” and “I See You” (Rich Mullins or

Michael W. Smith) would be an appropriate tie-in to the study material.

Teacher Introduction: We have already witnessed the last two weeks the power God has over nature and humanity’s creative and destructive powers. Now, let’s reflect on how the beauty of nature reveals the glory of God and is a reflection of His wisdom and power. Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote a poem that perfectly describes the wonders of God found in nature entitled,

“God’s Grandeur”:

The world is charged with the grandeur of God.

It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;

It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil

Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;

And all is seared with trade; Bleared, smeared with toil;

And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil

Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;

There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;

And though the last lights off the black West went

Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs--

Because the Holy Ghost over the bent

World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.3


1. What does nature reveal about God? How should this influence how we act towards

nature?


2. What natural object/living being would you use to describe God? Why?

3 Gerard Manley Hopkins, God’s Grandeur, in A Concise Treasury of Great Poems, (New York: Pocket

Books, 1969, orig. 1911).

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The Mystery and Beauty of God: Read: Job 38:1-18 (25 minutes)

3. What does God use to illustrate His omniscience (or wisdom) to Job?

4. Why is God speaking to Job in this way? What does it also say to us today?

5. Cite an instance when you felt truly in awe of God. Why did you feel this way?

6. Read verses 4-5 and 8 again. God has set boundaries in nature as well as creating boundaries for human lives. What are the consequences of violating the boundaries of

the natural world?

7. Notice God uses natural elements and animals to explain the depths of His wisdom and also to reveal that some things will remain a mystery. God does not use humans in

this illustration—do you think there is a reason for this?


8. Nature reveals the extravagant grace of God in providing good gifts to His children.

How can you show God that you appreciate nature today?


Father God we praise you for your wisdom and for mysteries that we in our finite minds cannot understand. You are good and all that you have created represents your extravagant creativity. We take joy in the works of your hands. We pray in the name of Jesus to look for ways to actively protect, preserve, and restore what humans have damaged in the environment that surrounds us. You have created life and a planet that is uniquely designed to support human life—help us find ways to protect and not harm this gift of life you have given us on Earth. In Jesus’ name we

pray…Amen.

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Session Four: Living Responsible Lives: Our Wealth


Introduction and Prayer (5 minutes): Briefly discuss the focus of this study with your small group so they understand the theme of the bible study. Then begin with a prayer that focuses on the interrelationship between God, humanity, and creation. Our study is now moving from the recognition that we must care for the environment to practicing stewardship by living responsible, non-excessive lifestyles.

Worship Suggestions (10-15 minutes): Continue to play songs with themes of God and creation.

Teacher Introduction: Time Magazine recently wrote an article from the perspective of America’s popular preachers asking the question: “Does God Want to Make You Rich?” In this article, one popular televangelist stated that Christianity should bring abundance and prosperity

by countering with this answer:

"Who would want to get in on something where you're miserable, poor, broke and ugly and you just have to

muddle through until you get to heaven?... "I believe God wants to give us nice things." 4


1. How would answer this preacher’s question? Would you agree or disagree with their theology?


2. Do you struggle with materialism? What type of items (clothes, cars etc.) are you most

attracted to and why?

Living Responsible Lives: Read: Matthew 19:16-24 (25 minutes)

3. What do you think Jesus’ true motive was in v. 21 when he tells the rich young man to

sell all of his possessions?

4. Look at verses 22-23. Why is it difficult to know God as a wealthy person?

4 Van Biema, D., & Chu, J. (2006). Does God Want To Make You Rich". Time Magazine, Retrieved

October 29, 2006, from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1533448-1,00.html.

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5. Look at the metaphor God uses in v.24 to describe how difficult it is for those with great

riches to know God. Do you think it is possible for the wealthy to know God intimately?

6. Why is it so challenging to serve God? Do you think culture plays a role in making it

more challenging to serve Him?

7. How does this story apply to our own difficulties with materialism and over

consumption?


8. Have you ever had a moment when you God confronted you about something that

kept you from serving Him faithfully? If so, what was it?


God thank you for the lessons we have learnt today. As we read about the rich young man we see in his sorrow our own sorrows at the things that still keep us from serving you with undivided loyalty. Search our hearts and motives—if there is anything in us that keeps us from you reveal it and heal it by your grace. Help us to live faithful lives that are less materialistic, even as we go

against the grain of popular culture. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

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Session Five: Living Responsible Lives: Overuse of Natural Resources


Introduction and Prayer (5 minutes): Briefly discuss the focus of this study with your small group so they understand the theme of the bible study. Then begin with a prayer that focuses on the interrelationship between God, humanity, and creation. This second study concentrates on our responsibility to care for the environment by living responsible, non-excessive lifestyles.


Teacher Introduction: More-developed countries (MDC’s), most notably the United States, contribute most to the problem of environmental degradation. However, the poverty found in less-developed countries (LDC’s) has caused environmental degradation and wastefulness as the world’s poor struggle to survive day-to-day and do

not have the luxury of thinking about the future. Think about this:

“In LDC’s, poverty and environmental degradation are inseparable. Hungry people’s concern

for the environment is far outweighed by their immediate need to survive. Consequently they will

search for food and fuel wherever they can find it…In Haiti, practically no topsoil remains for

cultivation. In Bangladesh, Nepal, and Java, severe pressure on hillsides for fuel and growing

crops has caused much erosion and flooding in lowland areas.”5


1. What could the United States or the Church do to help LDC’s balance the need for

food and fuel with environmental care?


2. What do you think is the leading cause of environmental degradation in the United States?

Living Responsible Lives: Read: Isaiah 5:8-10 (25 minutes)

3. What sin is God denouncing through the voice of the prophet Isaiah in this passage?

4. Reread v. 8—does this sound familiar to you in our own times?

5. What is the reason contributing to the judgment soon to fall on the land (see v. 9)?

5 Kaufman, D.G., & Franz, C.M. (2000). Biosphere 2000: Protecting our Global Environment. Dubuque,

Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing.

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6. The irony of this passage lies in the fact that the abundantly blessed will soon

experience the effects of poverty.

7. How do you think God views the way we use our natural resources—both land and water—in the United States? Do you think we are suffering the consequences of our

overuse of resources?


8. What is the connection between environmental degradation and poverty? What practical ways could the Church help in the U.S. and in LDC’s to eliminate this deadly

link?


God, forgive us for our overuse of the resources you have given us on this earth. We know how much we consume in our own lives and pray for wisdom to use the gifts of natural resources more wisely. We pray that you would empower the Church to empower the earth’s poor—to care for themselves today and for help in protecting their land’s resources for future use. We pray that Vineyard Church of Columbus and other Vineyard churches will become even more deeply

committed to caring for the earth as we care for people. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

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Sessions 6: Living Responsible Lives: Tending to the Earth by Tending to Others


Introduction and Prayer (5 minutes): Briefly discuss the focus of this study with your small group so they understand the theme of the bible study. Then begin with a prayer that focuses on the interrelationship between God, humanity, and creation. This final study in the second part of this series demonstrates how when we care for the earth, we are caring for others. In fact, Jesus commands us to serve in practical ways to love others.


Teacher Introduction: We live in a world of devastating beauty and ugliness, of wealth and poverty. Jesus often talked about helping the poor and the Bible is filled with words of judgment towards those who ignore the poor in their own prosperity. As we have seen, when we overuse natural resources, we contribute to poverty and disease as farmlands are laid waste and water supplies become contaminated. Here is just one statistic to think about regarding the poverty

problems we face right here in the United States:

“In 1990, pets in the United States consumed more food per capita than the nearly 32 million Americans—including

one-fifth of all children in the country—who lived below the poverty line.6”


1. What do you think this quote reveals about the problems confronting poverty in the

United States? What do you think is at the root of this widespread problem?


2. Some Americans spend so much on food and diet books while many just struggle to find food

and survive. What do you think this reveals about our culture?

Living Responsible Lives: Read: John 21: 15-17 (25 minutes)

3. The NIV translation uses a heading for this Scripture passage entitled “Jesus Reinstates

Peter”. What did it take to “reinstate” him?

4. What questions does Jesus ask Peter?

6 Kaufman, D.G., & Franz, C.M. (2000). Biosphere 2000: Protecting our Global Environment. Dubuque,

Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing.

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5. What is Jesus’ response? Why do you think Jesus asks this question and responds to Peter

three times?

6. What does this passage reveal to be the ultimate sign of our love for God and His people?

7. Jesus’ response is a command. Do you think the Church has been successful / unsuccessful

in fulfilling this command?


8. How do you “tend to the flock”? Do you believe now that there is a connection between caring for the earth and caring for all of God’s people?


Father God, how gracious you are in providing us with all the things necessary to life here on earth. Even as we pray we know that there are those who do not have all of the necessities of life and we pray that you would help us in our own lives and as the Church in helping the world’s poorest peoples by tending to the earth. Give us more compassion for the poor and let us not so easily ignore this widespread problem. Help us apply the lessons we have learned in this study

series. Let us not forget to “feed your lambs”…in Jesus’ name AMEN.

eco environmental bible studies written by: tammy lawlor...

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