Most adults long for life to the full, one that counts. Senior adults who look back over their lives and sense they made little impact, have regrets that can affect the quality of their latter years. Bible teachers, help adult students find that fulfillment in all stages of life by abiding in Christ. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10:10)
Acrostic Showing What Will Help Adults Find Fulfillment in Jesus
Use this acrostic as a reminder of what will help adults find life to the full.
A – Affiliation with Other Believers
With that can come accountability and challenging of one another to live life to the full in Jesus, one that makes a difference. — “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25)
D – Depth of Study in God’s Word
Adults need substance, not fluff, to help them discern the choices they should make along their life’s journey. — “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Heb. 5:13-14)
U – Useful Instruction
Unless adults find truth relevant to their current stage of life, they aren’t going to delve into the Word and become equipped to make a difference. — “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
L – Legacy-building Hearts
Leaving an impact on people’s lives requires that our own hearts be nurtured and filled with Christ-like character. Our teaching must get beyond mere head knowledge and outward conformity. — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23)
T – Testing in Life
While most adults don’t want trials and troubles in life, that’s what God uses to build perseverance and character. Adults need to see testing as opportunities to grow and become the people God will use. — “… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-4)
S – Sense of Significance
What adult doesn’t want to be valued and respected? Yet, people can be unkind and even betray us. Adults must learn to find significance in Christ so no matter what people may say or do to them, their lives matter and they can move on from hurts. — “If God is for us, who can be against us? … For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:31-29)
For More on Teaching Adults, Go To: Teaching Adults Bible Classes Teacher Training Resources