QUESTIONS
1.Why do you think it would be easier to tell sinners to “believe” than to tell them they need to repent?
To simply "believe" allows a sinner to hold Jesus in one hand while choosing to continue to hold their sinful ways in the other. Telling someone they need to repent means they need to acknowledge they are doing wrong (not easy) before they will be motivated to truly turn around (repent).
2.How did the old soldier sum up repentance?
An old soldier once summed up repentance this way: “God said, ‘Attention! About turn! Quick march!’”
3.Explain why salvation entails more than merely “believing in Jesus.”
It is true that numerous Bible verses speak of the promise of salvation with no mention of repentance. These verses merely tell us to “believe” on Jesus Christ and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ. The Scriptures speak of “repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18). We must turn from sin to the Savior. This is why Paul preached “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).
Jesus said that He came to call “sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). The first public word He preached was “repent” (Matthew 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matthew 3:2). Jesus told His hearers twice that without repentance, they would perish (Luke 13:3,5).
If belief is all that is necessary for salvation, then the logical conclusion is that one need never repent. However, the Bible tells us that a false convert “believes” and yet is not saved (Luke 8:13); he remains a “worker of iniquity.”
In his book One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven, Mark Cahill notes that, when witnessing to the lost, “if there is no desire to walk away from sin, the person is not really making a true heart commitment to the Savior. In John 6:44 Jesus says, ‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.’ If God is drawing someone to Him, He would also be drawing the person away from his sin.”
Look at the warning of Scripture: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). The Scriptures also say, “He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them [repents] shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus said that there was joy in heaven over one sinner who “repents” (Luke 15:10). If there is no repentance, there is no joy because there is no salvation.
4. Who does God command to repent? (See Acts 17:30.)
As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he commanded his hearers to repent “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Without repentance, there is no remission of sins; we are still under God’s wrath. Peter further said, “Repent... and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). We cannot be converted, or have our sins blotted out, unless we repent. God Himself “commands all men everywhere [leaving no exceptions] to repent” (Acts 17:30). Peter said a similar thing at Pentecost: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38). Scripture says that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Clearly, those who do not repent will perish.
5. According to Scripture, what should we be preaching?
If repentance wasn’t necessary for salvation, why then did Jesus command that repentance be preached to all nations (Luke 24:47)? When He sent out His disciples two by two, they “preached that men should repent” (Mark 6:12).
Memory Verse
“Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
ACTS 3:19
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Lesson 15: Our Ally, The Conscience
QUESTIONS
1. What does the word “conscience” mean?
The dictionary defines the conscience as “the human faculty that enables one to decide between right and wrong acts or behavior, especially in regard to one’s own conduct.” This is what the Bible is speaking of when it says that God has given “light” to every man. The word “conscience” (con + science) means “with knowledge.” Whenever we sin, we do so “with knowledge” that what we’re doing is wrong.
2. What is the function of the conscience?
Charles Spurgeon said, “The conscience of a man, when he is really quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit, speaks the truth. It rings the great alarm bell. And if he turns over in his bed, that great alarm bell rings out again and again, ‘The wrath to come! The wrath to come! The wrath to come.’”
3. How do sinners dull the voice of their conscience?
The problem is that sin is so enticing to the lost that they prefer to live in darkness rather than remain in the light of the conscience. To the lost, the conscience is a “party pooper.” Many people snuff out the light and abandon themselves to the dark world of sin, not realizing the terrible consequences of their actions. As A. W. Tozer wrote, idolatry (making a god to suit ourselves) leads to a dulled conscience:
God’s justice stands forever against the sinner in utter severity. The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions. It hushes their fears and allows them to practice all pleasant forms of iniquity while death draws every day nearer and the command to repent goes unregarded. As responsible moral beings, we dare not so trifle with our eternal future. (The Knowledge of the Holy)
4. How can you (with God’s help) awaken a conscience?
Thank God that He has given us something to do the job—it is the rousing sound of the ten cannons of His Law that stirs the sleeping conscience. Charles Spurgeon said, “The conscience of a man, when he is really quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit, speaks the truth. It rings the great alarm bell. And if he turns over in his bed, that great alarm bell rings out again and again, ‘The wrath to come! The wrath to come! The wrath to come.’”
Walter Chantry wrote, “The absence of God’s holy Law from modern preaching is perhaps as responsible as any other factor for the evangelistic impotence of our churches and missions. Only by the light of the Law can the vermin of sin in the heart be exposed. Satan has effectively used a very clever device to silence the Law, which is needed as an instrument to bring perishing men to Christ. It is imperative that preachers of today learn how to declare the spiritual Law of God; for, until we learn how to wound consciences, we shall have no wounds to bind with gospel bandages” (Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic?).
It’s been said that the conscience is the headline warning of sin, while the Law is the fine print. The spiritual nature of the Law gives the details to what the conscience already knows. When the Law is preached, the conscience affirms its truth. You can see this verified when using the Law, as the sinner’s head nods in affirmation of each Commandment.
Unfortunately, in modern evangelism, few believers address the sin-ner’s conscience as we should. Spurgeon said, “In many ministries, there is not enough of probing the heart and arousing the conscience by the revelation of man’s alienation from God, and by the declaration of the selfishness and the wickedness of such a state.”
It was the use of God’s Law, when applied to the conscience, that was the key to great revivals of the past. Martyn Lloyd-Jones noted this fact:
The trouble with people who are not seeking for a Savior, and for salvation, is that they do not understand the nature of sin. It is the peculiar function of the Law to bring such an understanding to a man’s mind and conscience. That is why great evangelical preachers 300 years ago in the time of the Puritans, and 200 years ago in the time of Whitefield and others, always engaged in what they called a preliminary “Law work.”
5. According to John Wesley, what is “the ordinary method of the Spirit”?
He said,
It is the ordinary method of the Spirit of God to convict sinners by the Law. It is this which, being set home on the conscience, generally breaks the rocks in pieces. It is more especially this part of the Word of God which is quick and powerful, full of life and energy and sharper than any two-edged sword.
6. What are some phrases you can use in addressing the conscience?
Ask if they have kept 3 or 4 of the Ten Commandments. Its from God, for us.
Memory Verse
“Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.”
ROMANS 2:15
1. What does the word “conscience” mean?
The dictionary defines the conscience as “the human faculty that enables one to decide between right and wrong acts or behavior, especially in regard to one’s own conduct.” This is what the Bible is speaking of when it says that God has given “light” to every man. The word “conscience” (con + science) means “with knowledge.” Whenever we sin, we do so “with knowledge” that what we’re doing is wrong.
2. What is the function of the conscience?
Charles Spurgeon said, “The conscience of a man, when he is really quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit, speaks the truth. It rings the great alarm bell. And if he turns over in his bed, that great alarm bell rings out again and again, ‘The wrath to come! The wrath to come! The wrath to come.’”
3. How do sinners dull the voice of their conscience?
The problem is that sin is so enticing to the lost that they prefer to live in darkness rather than remain in the light of the conscience. To the lost, the conscience is a “party pooper.” Many people snuff out the light and abandon themselves to the dark world of sin, not realizing the terrible consequences of their actions. As A. W. Tozer wrote, idolatry (making a god to suit ourselves) leads to a dulled conscience:
God’s justice stands forever against the sinner in utter severity. The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions. It hushes their fears and allows them to practice all pleasant forms of iniquity while death draws every day nearer and the command to repent goes unregarded. As responsible moral beings, we dare not so trifle with our eternal future. (The Knowledge of the Holy)
4. How can you (with God’s help) awaken a conscience?
Thank God that He has given us something to do the job—it is the rousing sound of the ten cannons of His Law that stirs the sleeping conscience. Charles Spurgeon said, “The conscience of a man, when he is really quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit, speaks the truth. It rings the great alarm bell. And if he turns over in his bed, that great alarm bell rings out again and again, ‘The wrath to come! The wrath to come! The wrath to come.’”
Walter Chantry wrote, “The absence of God’s holy Law from modern preaching is perhaps as responsible as any other factor for the evangelistic impotence of our churches and missions. Only by the light of the Law can the vermin of sin in the heart be exposed. Satan has effectively used a very clever device to silence the Law, which is needed as an instrument to bring perishing men to Christ. It is imperative that preachers of today learn how to declare the spiritual Law of God; for, until we learn how to wound consciences, we shall have no wounds to bind with gospel bandages” (Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic?).
It’s been said that the conscience is the headline warning of sin, while the Law is the fine print. The spiritual nature of the Law gives the details to what the conscience already knows. When the Law is preached, the conscience affirms its truth. You can see this verified when using the Law, as the sinner’s head nods in affirmation of each Commandment.
Unfortunately, in modern evangelism, few believers address the sin-ner’s conscience as we should. Spurgeon said, “In many ministries, there is not enough of probing the heart and arousing the conscience by the revelation of man’s alienation from God, and by the declaration of the selfishness and the wickedness of such a state.”
It was the use of God’s Law, when applied to the conscience, that was the key to great revivals of the past. Martyn Lloyd-Jones noted this fact:
The trouble with people who are not seeking for a Savior, and for salvation, is that they do not understand the nature of sin. It is the peculiar function of the Law to bring such an understanding to a man’s mind and conscience. That is why great evangelical preachers 300 years ago in the time of the Puritans, and 200 years ago in the time of Whitefield and others, always engaged in what they called a preliminary “Law work.”
5. According to John Wesley, what is “the ordinary method of the Spirit”?
He said,
It is the ordinary method of the Spirit of God to convict sinners by the Law. It is this which, being set home on the conscience, generally breaks the rocks in pieces. It is more especially this part of the Word of God which is quick and powerful, full of life and energy and sharper than any two-edged sword.
6. What are some phrases you can use in addressing the conscience?
Ask if they have kept 3 or 4 of the Ten Commandments. Its from God, for us.
Memory Verse
“Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.”
ROMANS 2:15
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Lesson 14: The Ten Commandments, Part 10
the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet ...anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17)
QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to covet?
Covetousness is perhaps the most subtle of sins. It seems minor compared to adultery, theft, or rape. However, before a man steals, he covets. Before he rapes or commits adultery, he covets. Covetousness is the spark that sets off the fuse of sin. It is a sin that lies close to the surface of every human being. Few children are content with ten pieces of candy when the child next to him gets eleven.
2. Why is the quiet sin of covetousness so harmful?
Covetousness is the bedfellow of jealousy, greed, and lust.
It was this quiet sin that found a place in the heart of King David, rich and blessed though he was. His covetous eye roamed toward another man’s wife, and opened the door to a multitude of sins.
3. What is the opposite of covetousness? (See Hebrews 13:5.)
Scripture admonishes us to “be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5).
4. What can we learn from Psalm 23 about this sin?
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul...
5. Are there some areas in which you are guilty of this sin?
Yes. Money, travel...
6. Why do you think covetousness is so prevalent?
Its inward, a matter of the mind, hidden thoughts from others (but not God).
Matthew Henry said, “The Tenth Commandment strikes at the root; Thou shalt not covet. The others forbid all desire of doing what will be an injury to our neighbour; this forbids all wrong desire of having what will gratify ourselves.”
Memory Verse
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
1 JOHN 2:15
QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to covet?
Covetousness is perhaps the most subtle of sins. It seems minor compared to adultery, theft, or rape. However, before a man steals, he covets. Before he rapes or commits adultery, he covets. Covetousness is the spark that sets off the fuse of sin. It is a sin that lies close to the surface of every human being. Few children are content with ten pieces of candy when the child next to him gets eleven.
2. Why is the quiet sin of covetousness so harmful?
Covetousness is the bedfellow of jealousy, greed, and lust.
It was this quiet sin that found a place in the heart of King David, rich and blessed though he was. His covetous eye roamed toward another man’s wife, and opened the door to a multitude of sins.
3. What is the opposite of covetousness? (See Hebrews 13:5.)
Scripture admonishes us to “be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5).
4. What can we learn from Psalm 23 about this sin?
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul...
5. Are there some areas in which you are guilty of this sin?
Yes. Money, travel...
6. Why do you think covetousness is so prevalent?
Its inward, a matter of the mind, hidden thoughts from others (but not God).
Matthew Henry said, “The Tenth Commandment strikes at the root; Thou shalt not covet. The others forbid all desire of doing what will be an injury to our neighbour; this forbids all wrong desire of having what will gratify ourselves.”
Memory Verse
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
1 JOHN 2:15
Monday, December 26, 2011
Lesson 13: The Ten Commandments, Part 9
the Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16)
1.What is the dictionary definition of a lie?
The dictionary defines a lie as a false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood; something intended to deceive or give a wrong impression.
2.What is the difference between a lie and discretion?
There is a big difference between discretion (wise self-restraint in speech) and lying (a false statement intended to deceive), and that God knows the difference.
3.Do you think it is ever okay for a Christian to tell a lie in order to protect someone? Why or why not?
It depends on the circumstances. Perhaps the answer is that it is the motive that matters. However, the issue depends on the conscience of each individual. We should pray for solutions that would arise outside of these unique circumstances.
4.What is the difference between a white lie, a half-truth, a fib, and an exaggeration?
There is no difference between a white lie, a half-truth, a fib, or an exaggeration. All are lies in the sight of God.
5.How many lies must one tell to be a liar?
How many murders does one have to commit to be a murderer? Just one. In the same way, if they have told even one lie, no matter what color or size, that makes them a liar.
6.What will happen to all liars?
The path of lies is often the easy path, but it leads to hell. The Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). What a fearful thought! People may not think deceitfulness is a serious sin, but God does. It should break our hearts to even think of the fate of the ungodly.
Memory Verse
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.”
PROVERBS 19:5
1.What is the dictionary definition of a lie?
The dictionary defines a lie as a false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood; something intended to deceive or give a wrong impression.
2.What is the difference between a lie and discretion?
There is a big difference between discretion (wise self-restraint in speech) and lying (a false statement intended to deceive), and that God knows the difference.
3.Do you think it is ever okay for a Christian to tell a lie in order to protect someone? Why or why not?
It depends on the circumstances. Perhaps the answer is that it is the motive that matters. However, the issue depends on the conscience of each individual. We should pray for solutions that would arise outside of these unique circumstances.
4.What is the difference between a white lie, a half-truth, a fib, and an exaggeration?
There is no difference between a white lie, a half-truth, a fib, or an exaggeration. All are lies in the sight of God.
5.How many lies must one tell to be a liar?
How many murders does one have to commit to be a murderer? Just one. In the same way, if they have told even one lie, no matter what color or size, that makes them a liar.
6.What will happen to all liars?
The path of lies is often the easy path, but it leads to hell. The Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). What a fearful thought! People may not think deceitfulness is a serious sin, but God does. It should break our hearts to even think of the fate of the ungodly.
Memory Verse
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.”
PROVERBS 19:5
Lesson 12: The Ten Commandments, Part 8
the Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).
1.Why is the value of a stolen item irrelevant?
Most people don’t think that God considers theft to be theft until the value of what is taken impresses Him. However, if I open your wallet and take just one dollar, I’m a thief, and the Bible says that thieves will not enter the kingdom of God.
2.What does a news item about someone returning a lost wallet reveal about human nature?
It is a sad testimony to the wickedness of the human heart when the world honors an honest person. Someone finds a wallet filled with money and returns it to the owner—and that makes national news. It is rare when a human being does what he should.
3.Is it wrong for a man to steal when he is hungry?
The answer is yes. It is theft and the Bible says that he should make restitution for his crime. If a man is hungry, he should beg before he steals.
4.How would you react if you saw $600,000 fluttering along a freeway?
I would know that God sees me.
5.What would keep you from stealing the money?
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
MARK 8:36,37
6.Why isn’t it enough for a thief to reform his ways?
Someone might say that he has stolen once, but has since reformed. He must be told that time doesn’t forgive sin, and that God still sees the sins of yesterday as if they were committed today. Stop his mouth using the Law (Romans 3:19). Show him that the only way to escape the terrible consequences of his sin is the Door of the Savior. Let the hurricane of the wrath of the Law of God blow far from him the scanty leaves of self-righteous-ness. Have him admit his transgression by name—that he is a thief. Then point to (and have him read) 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.
Memory Verse
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
MARK 8:36,37
1.Why is the value of a stolen item irrelevant?
Most people don’t think that God considers theft to be theft until the value of what is taken impresses Him. However, if I open your wallet and take just one dollar, I’m a thief, and the Bible says that thieves will not enter the kingdom of God.
2.What does a news item about someone returning a lost wallet reveal about human nature?
It is a sad testimony to the wickedness of the human heart when the world honors an honest person. Someone finds a wallet filled with money and returns it to the owner—and that makes national news. It is rare when a human being does what he should.
3.Is it wrong for a man to steal when he is hungry?
The answer is yes. It is theft and the Bible says that he should make restitution for his crime. If a man is hungry, he should beg before he steals.
4.How would you react if you saw $600,000 fluttering along a freeway?
I would know that God sees me.
5.What would keep you from stealing the money?
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
MARK 8:36,37
6.Why isn’t it enough for a thief to reform his ways?
Someone might say that he has stolen once, but has since reformed. He must be told that time doesn’t forgive sin, and that God still sees the sins of yesterday as if they were committed today. Stop his mouth using the Law (Romans 3:19). Show him that the only way to escape the terrible consequences of his sin is the Door of the Savior. Let the hurricane of the wrath of the Law of God blow far from him the scanty leaves of self-righteous-ness. Have him admit his transgression by name—that he is a thief. Then point to (and have him read) 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.
Memory Verse
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
MARK 8:36,37
Lesson 11: The Ten Commandments, Part 7
the Seventh Commandment and what it means in light of New Testament revelation: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
1.How did the Messiah make the Law “honorable”?
The Bible said that the Messiah would magnify the Law and make it honorable (Isaiah 42:21). The Pharisees had dishonored the Law by teaching that God required only an outward show of piety. However, Jesus explained that God judges even the thought-life. He said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27,28).
2.What are some of the sins that accompany lust?
Lust is especially dangerous because it rarely lies alone. Its bedfellows are fornication, adultery, perversion, rape, and even murder. It burns in the heart of man, and like acid reflux, it forces its way through his flesh in a great all-consuming wave with a mind of its own.
3.What does lust want from you? (See John 10:10 and James 1:14,15.)
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
James 1:14-15
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
4.How would you answer someone who said that the Ten Commandments do not condemn sex outside of marriage?
Men will often deceive themselves by believing that the Ten Commandments condemn only adultery, leaving them free to have sex outside of marriage. However, the Law condemns all unlawful sex. First Timothy 1:8–10 tells us that the Law was also made for fornicators (whoremongers). Galatians 5:19 lists adultery and fornication at the top of the list of works of the flesh.
Those who forsake marriage thinking that they can enjoy sex outside the bonds of the institution risk getting AIDS and numerous other sexually transmitted diseases—several of which are incurable. It is interesting to note that a man and a woman can engage in sex ten thousand times within marriage and never even once risk contracting any sexually transmitted disease.
One who commits fornication (from the Greek Porneia, “illicit sexual intercourse”) takes what could lawfully be his as a gift from God, and corrupts it. He is like a child who one night steals a crisp, new twenty-dollar bill from his father’s wallet, not realizing that his father intended to give it to him as a gift in the morning.
The fornicator not only sins against God and incurs the wrath of eternal justice, but he sins against his conscience, and his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Scripture warns us to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
5.Why shouldn’t you be discouraged if you have a problem with lust?
Don’t be discouraged if you have a battle with lust. If you are struggling, then at least you are fighting it. If you have no problem with it, then you have given your heart to demons and they will drag you to hell. These are fearful words—but they are needed to awaken us to what is at stake.
6.What does the Bible say to those who consider viewing pornography to be a harmless activity?
Realize that when you give yourself to pornography, you are committing adultery (Matthew 5:27,28). Grasp the serious nature of your sin. Jesus said that it would be better for you to be blind and go to heaven than for your eye to cause you to sin and end up in hell (Matthew 5:29). Those who profess to be Christians yet drool over pornographic material evidently lack the fear of God (Proverbs 16:6). Cultivate the fear of the Lord by reading Proverbs 2:1–5. Think of where lust led King David. He opened himself to many other sins, including murder, and brought misery and shame to his family name.
7. What can we learn from Proverbs 2:1–5?
Proverbs 2:1-5
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Memory Verse
“You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
MATTHEW 5:27,28
1.How did the Messiah make the Law “honorable”?
The Bible said that the Messiah would magnify the Law and make it honorable (Isaiah 42:21). The Pharisees had dishonored the Law by teaching that God required only an outward show of piety. However, Jesus explained that God judges even the thought-life. He said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27,28).
2.What are some of the sins that accompany lust?
Lust is especially dangerous because it rarely lies alone. Its bedfellows are fornication, adultery, perversion, rape, and even murder. It burns in the heart of man, and like acid reflux, it forces its way through his flesh in a great all-consuming wave with a mind of its own.
3.What does lust want from you? (See John 10:10 and James 1:14,15.)
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
James 1:14-15
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
4.How would you answer someone who said that the Ten Commandments do not condemn sex outside of marriage?
Men will often deceive themselves by believing that the Ten Commandments condemn only adultery, leaving them free to have sex outside of marriage. However, the Law condemns all unlawful sex. First Timothy 1:8–10 tells us that the Law was also made for fornicators (whoremongers). Galatians 5:19 lists adultery and fornication at the top of the list of works of the flesh.
Those who forsake marriage thinking that they can enjoy sex outside the bonds of the institution risk getting AIDS and numerous other sexually transmitted diseases—several of which are incurable. It is interesting to note that a man and a woman can engage in sex ten thousand times within marriage and never even once risk contracting any sexually transmitted disease.
One who commits fornication (from the Greek Porneia, “illicit sexual intercourse”) takes what could lawfully be his as a gift from God, and corrupts it. He is like a child who one night steals a crisp, new twenty-dollar bill from his father’s wallet, not realizing that his father intended to give it to him as a gift in the morning.
The fornicator not only sins against God and incurs the wrath of eternal justice, but he sins against his conscience, and his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Scripture warns us to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
5.Why shouldn’t you be discouraged if you have a problem with lust?
Don’t be discouraged if you have a battle with lust. If you are struggling, then at least you are fighting it. If you have no problem with it, then you have given your heart to demons and they will drag you to hell. These are fearful words—but they are needed to awaken us to what is at stake.
6.What does the Bible say to those who consider viewing pornography to be a harmless activity?
Realize that when you give yourself to pornography, you are committing adultery (Matthew 5:27,28). Grasp the serious nature of your sin. Jesus said that it would be better for you to be blind and go to heaven than for your eye to cause you to sin and end up in hell (Matthew 5:29). Those who profess to be Christians yet drool over pornographic material evidently lack the fear of God (Proverbs 16:6). Cultivate the fear of the Lord by reading Proverbs 2:1–5. Think of where lust led King David. He opened himself to many other sins, including murder, and brought misery and shame to his family name.
7. What can we learn from Proverbs 2:1–5?
Proverbs 2:1-5
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Memory Verse
“You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
MATTHEW 5:27,28
Lesson 10: The Ten Commandments, Part 6
the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not kill”(Exo-dus 20:13).
1.Why is civil law limited when it comes to prosecuting criminals?
If civil law can prove that you are planning to assassinate the President, you can be prosecuted and severely punished. That law, however, is limited in its search for evidence—it can’t see what a man thinks.
2.Most people will claim to be not guilty of violating the Sixth Commandment. How can you explain God’s perspective?
With the all-seeing eye of our Creator, His Law searches the heart, and He sees “evil thoughts.” To even think hatred is to transgress the Sixth Commandment.
3.Why does God consider hatred to be murder?
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say to you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21,22). The Bible further adds that if we hate someone, we are murderers (1 John 3:15). There are many who would like to kill, but refrain because of fear of punishment. God counts them guilty of murder.
4.Is there someone you dislike strongly enough to not want to see the person in heaven? Do you think God considers you a murderer for this?
If we hate someone, the last thought in our minds will be sharing the gospel with them out of concern for their salvation. In that sense, we too become a murderer, desiring the person’s eternal death, by not giving them the words of life.
Some states have laws that declare a bystander guilty for standing by and failing to prevent a crime. In the same way, God declares us guilty of murder if we stand by and do nothing to prevent someone’s eternal death. Their blood is on our hands (see Ezekiel 3:18).
5.Do you think God views abortion as murder? Why or why not?
At 21 days gestation, the child’s heart is beating, and at 40 days brain waves can be measured. If by our medical criteria a life is ended when there is no heartbeat or brain activity, then surely by their presence we can assert that life has begun. The Bible tells us that taking the life of the unborn is clearly murder: “He slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave” (Jeremiah 20:17), and God vowed to punish those who “ripped up the women with child” (Amos 1:13). God, the Creator of life, commanded us, “Do not shed innocent blood” (Jeremiah 7:6).
6.Does the Bible equate capital punishment with murder? Why or why not?
Some equate capital punishment with murder, and cite Jesus’ command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) as evidence that He did not endorse capital punishment. However, just because we have love for an enemy doesn’t give us the right to allow him to escape punishment for murder. The Bible says, “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation . . . But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil” (Romans 13:1–4).
The Bible says that anyone who deliberately takes a life should lose his own: “Whoso kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover you shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death” (Numbers 35:30,31). Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Memory Verse
“Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
1 JOHN 3:15
1.Why is civil law limited when it comes to prosecuting criminals?
If civil law can prove that you are planning to assassinate the President, you can be prosecuted and severely punished. That law, however, is limited in its search for evidence—it can’t see what a man thinks.
2.Most people will claim to be not guilty of violating the Sixth Commandment. How can you explain God’s perspective?
With the all-seeing eye of our Creator, His Law searches the heart, and He sees “evil thoughts.” To even think hatred is to transgress the Sixth Commandment.
3.Why does God consider hatred to be murder?
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say to you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21,22). The Bible further adds that if we hate someone, we are murderers (1 John 3:15). There are many who would like to kill, but refrain because of fear of punishment. God counts them guilty of murder.
4.Is there someone you dislike strongly enough to not want to see the person in heaven? Do you think God considers you a murderer for this?
If we hate someone, the last thought in our minds will be sharing the gospel with them out of concern for their salvation. In that sense, we too become a murderer, desiring the person’s eternal death, by not giving them the words of life.
Some states have laws that declare a bystander guilty for standing by and failing to prevent a crime. In the same way, God declares us guilty of murder if we stand by and do nothing to prevent someone’s eternal death. Their blood is on our hands (see Ezekiel 3:18).
5.Do you think God views abortion as murder? Why or why not?
At 21 days gestation, the child’s heart is beating, and at 40 days brain waves can be measured. If by our medical criteria a life is ended when there is no heartbeat or brain activity, then surely by their presence we can assert that life has begun. The Bible tells us that taking the life of the unborn is clearly murder: “He slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave” (Jeremiah 20:17), and God vowed to punish those who “ripped up the women with child” (Amos 1:13). God, the Creator of life, commanded us, “Do not shed innocent blood” (Jeremiah 7:6).
6.Does the Bible equate capital punishment with murder? Why or why not?
Some equate capital punishment with murder, and cite Jesus’ command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) as evidence that He did not endorse capital punishment. However, just because we have love for an enemy doesn’t give us the right to allow him to escape punishment for murder. The Bible says, “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation . . . But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil” (Romans 13:1–4).
The Bible says that anyone who deliberately takes a life should lose his own: “Whoso kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover you shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death” (Numbers 35:30,31). Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Memory Verse
“Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
1 JOHN 3:15
Lesson 9: The Ten Commandments, Part 5
the Fifth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Exodus 20:12).
1. What does it mean to “honor” your mother and father?
To honor our parents is to esteem them, show them respect, and obey them. The New Testament instructs children to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1) and “obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). Are children to obey only the things they want to, or that sound reasonable to them? No
2. Should someone always have to honor his mother, even if, for example, she’s a prostitute?
Yes- in order to please the Lord, they are to obey “in all things.” That doesn’t mean their parents will always make wise decisions or treat their children as they should, but God will hold the parents accountable for their own actions. Regardless of the parents’ parenting skills, the children are to obey—that is their role for which God will hold them accountable.
3. Why is it so important for children to obey this Commandment?
Why is this so important? Since children are naturally sinful, they need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord; parents must “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Proverbs 29:15,17 warns, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame...Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight unto your soul.” One who will not submit to the authority of his parents, who are God’s agents to train and discipline him, is very unlikely to submit to God’s authority and obey God’s Laws.
4. When witnessing, why is it important to go through the Commandments that deal with the sins of the flesh before mentioning this one?
In witnessing, you will encounter some who will contend that they have kept this Commandment and have perfectly honored their parents. They therefore need to be confronted with the sins of the flesh first before they are confronted with this Commandment. Again, the lawful use of the Law is to show us how far we have fallen short of God’s perfect standard. The Law brings the knowledge of sin. The best of us haven’t honored our parents as we should. However, Have they lied? Have they stolen? Almost everyone will admit to lying and stealing; therefore, they have dishonored their parents’ name by being a lying thief.
Memory Verse
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
PSALM 34:14,15
1. What does it mean to “honor” your mother and father?
To honor our parents is to esteem them, show them respect, and obey them. The New Testament instructs children to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1) and “obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). Are children to obey only the things they want to, or that sound reasonable to them? No
2. Should someone always have to honor his mother, even if, for example, she’s a prostitute?
Yes- in order to please the Lord, they are to obey “in all things.” That doesn’t mean their parents will always make wise decisions or treat their children as they should, but God will hold the parents accountable for their own actions. Regardless of the parents’ parenting skills, the children are to obey—that is their role for which God will hold them accountable.
3. Why is it so important for children to obey this Commandment?
Why is this so important? Since children are naturally sinful, they need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord; parents must “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Proverbs 29:15,17 warns, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame...Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight unto your soul.” One who will not submit to the authority of his parents, who are God’s agents to train and discipline him, is very unlikely to submit to God’s authority and obey God’s Laws.
4. When witnessing, why is it important to go through the Commandments that deal with the sins of the flesh before mentioning this one?
In witnessing, you will encounter some who will contend that they have kept this Commandment and have perfectly honored their parents. They therefore need to be confronted with the sins of the flesh first before they are confronted with this Commandment. Again, the lawful use of the Law is to show us how far we have fallen short of God’s perfect standard. The Law brings the knowledge of sin. The best of us haven’t honored our parents as we should. However, Have they lied? Have they stolen? Almost everyone will admit to lying and stealing; therefore, they have dishonored their parents’ name by being a lying thief.
Memory Verse
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
PSALM 34:14,15
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Lesson 8: The Ten Commandments, Part 4
the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
1. What does the Bible say to do on the Sabbath?
It commands rest on that day: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor, and do all your work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work...For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8–11).
2. According to Exodus 31, to whom was the Sabbath given?
The Sabbath was given as a sign to Israel (Exodus 31:13–17); nowhere is it given as a sign to the church. Thousands of years after the Commandment was given, we can still see the sign that separates Israel from the world—they continue to keep the Sabbath holy.
There isn’t even one command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy. In fact, we are told not to let others judge us regarding Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16), and that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27)
3. Did Paul worship on the Sabbath? Why or why not?
The reason Paul went to the synagogue each Sabbath wasn’t to keep the Law; that would have been contrary to everything he taught about being saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). Instead, it was so he could preach the gospel to the Jews, as evident in the Book of Acts. Paul had an incredible evangelistic zeal for Israel to be saved (Romans 10:1). To the Jew he became as a Jew, that he might win the Jews (1 Corinthians 9:19,20). That meant he went to where they gathered on the day they gathered—“he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath” (Acts 18:4). D.
4. Why is the Christian free from the Law?
...saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Romans 14:5–10 tells us that one man esteems one day of the week above another; another esteems every day alike. Then Scripture tells us that everyone should be fully persuaded in his own mind. We are not to judge each other regarding the day on which we worship.
L. Moody said, “The Law can only chase a man to Calvary, no further.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law so we are no longer in bondage to it. If we try to keep one part of the Law (even out of love for God), we are obligated to keep the whole Law (Galatians 3:10)—all 613 precepts.
1. What does the Bible say to do on the Sabbath?
It commands rest on that day: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor, and do all your work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work...For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8–11).
2. According to Exodus 31, to whom was the Sabbath given?
The Sabbath was given as a sign to Israel (Exodus 31:13–17); nowhere is it given as a sign to the church. Thousands of years after the Commandment was given, we can still see the sign that separates Israel from the world—they continue to keep the Sabbath holy.
There isn’t even one command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy. In fact, we are told not to let others judge us regarding Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16), and that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27)
3. Did Paul worship on the Sabbath? Why or why not?
The reason Paul went to the synagogue each Sabbath wasn’t to keep the Law; that would have been contrary to everything he taught about being saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). Instead, it was so he could preach the gospel to the Jews, as evident in the Book of Acts. Paul had an incredible evangelistic zeal for Israel to be saved (Romans 10:1). To the Jew he became as a Jew, that he might win the Jews (1 Corinthians 9:19,20). That meant he went to where they gathered on the day they gathered—“he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath” (Acts 18:4). D.
4. Why is the Christian free from the Law?
...saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Romans 14:5–10 tells us that one man esteems one day of the week above another; another esteems every day alike. Then Scripture tells us that everyone should be fully persuaded in his own mind. We are not to judge each other regarding the day on which we worship.
L. Moody said, “The Law can only chase a man to Calvary, no further.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law so we are no longer in bondage to it. If we try to keep one part of the Law (even out of love for God), we are obligated to keep the whole Law (Galatians 3:10)—all 613 precepts.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Lesson 7: The Ten Commandments, Part 3
the Third Commandment:
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD your God
will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
1. What does blasphemy reveal?
Transgression of the Third Commandment reinforces the biblical case that the mind of unregenerate man is hostile to God and His Law, that they “hate God without cause.”
People will say, “I wasn’t really using God’s name as a cuss word. It’s just a word.” In essence, God’s name isn’t anything special and isn’t worthy of any respect.
2. Why will some people claim that they don’t truly hate God?
This thought is offensive to idolaters, who strongly contest that they don’t hate God. This is because they don’t hate their own concept of God; they are on congenial terms with the idol they have created.
3. With what is God’s name synonymous? Why is this fearful?
God’s glory, His name, and His goodness are synonymous. Moses was told that if he saw God face to face in all of His glory, he would die (Exodus 33:20). How fearful it will be for blasphemous humanity to stand before the unspeakable glory of God, in all of His goodness, and give an account for every idle word. God’s goodness will ensure that His justice is carried out.
4. How do blasphemers often compound their sin?
When a blasphemer is questioned about why he would do such a thing, his reaction will often confirm the words of Scripture that he is taking God’s name “in vain.” He will say, “I wasn’t really using God’s name as a cuss word. It’s just a word.” In essence, God’s name isn’t anything special and isn’t worthy of any respect. His attempt at justification merely adds to his sin. It is hard to understand how the world can hold the names of God and Jesus Christ in such disdain that they can be used to express disgust. Hitler’s name wasn’t despised enough to be used as a cuss word.
5. How should you react if you hear someone using God’s name in vain?
If you hear God’s name taken in vain, don’t tell the person it’s offensive; use it as an opening for the gospel. While the Bible instructs us to “reprove and rebuke,” it says to do so with “all longsuffering [patience] and doctrine.” It is therefore important that we don’t alienate the person we are trying to reach with the gospel. Our objective isn’t to reprove someone because he has offended us with blasphemy, but to reach him for Christ. It is wise to try to engage the person in a conversation about natural things with the objective of witnessing to him. Because you know that he has openly transgressed the Third Commandment, when you ask if he has ever used God’s name in vain, you can gently remind him that you heard him do so.
Memory Verse
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
JOHN 1:12
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD your God
will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
1. What does blasphemy reveal?
Transgression of the Third Commandment reinforces the biblical case that the mind of unregenerate man is hostile to God and His Law, that they “hate God without cause.”
People will say, “I wasn’t really using God’s name as a cuss word. It’s just a word.” In essence, God’s name isn’t anything special and isn’t worthy of any respect.
2. Why will some people claim that they don’t truly hate God?
This thought is offensive to idolaters, who strongly contest that they don’t hate God. This is because they don’t hate their own concept of God; they are on congenial terms with the idol they have created.
3. With what is God’s name synonymous? Why is this fearful?
God’s glory, His name, and His goodness are synonymous. Moses was told that if he saw God face to face in all of His glory, he would die (Exodus 33:20). How fearful it will be for blasphemous humanity to stand before the unspeakable glory of God, in all of His goodness, and give an account for every idle word. God’s goodness will ensure that His justice is carried out.
4. How do blasphemers often compound their sin?
When a blasphemer is questioned about why he would do such a thing, his reaction will often confirm the words of Scripture that he is taking God’s name “in vain.” He will say, “I wasn’t really using God’s name as a cuss word. It’s just a word.” In essence, God’s name isn’t anything special and isn’t worthy of any respect. His attempt at justification merely adds to his sin. It is hard to understand how the world can hold the names of God and Jesus Christ in such disdain that they can be used to express disgust. Hitler’s name wasn’t despised enough to be used as a cuss word.
5. How should you react if you hear someone using God’s name in vain?
If you hear God’s name taken in vain, don’t tell the person it’s offensive; use it as an opening for the gospel. While the Bible instructs us to “reprove and rebuke,” it says to do so with “all longsuffering [patience] and doctrine.” It is therefore important that we don’t alienate the person we are trying to reach with the gospel. Our objective isn’t to reprove someone because he has offended us with blasphemy, but to reach him for Christ. It is wise to try to engage the person in a conversation about natural things with the objective of witnessing to him. Because you know that he has openly transgressed the Third Commandment, when you ask if he has ever used God’s name in vain, you can gently remind him that you heard him do so.
Memory Verse
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
JOHN 1:12
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Lesson 6: The Ten Commandments, Part 2
1. Why is idolatry perhaps the greatest sin?
Idolatry is perhaps the greatest of all sins because it opens the door to unrestrained evil.
2. Why do you think idolatry appeals to the secular mind?
It gives sinners license not only to tolerate sin, but to sanction it, fanned by demonic influence. If you make a god in your image, one you feel comfortable with, you can then create your own moral standards to go along with him...or her.
Some like to make a god that believes in a woman’s right to kill her children in the womb. Others prefer to create a god that rewards the killing of innocent people by granting immortality.
Listen carefully for people saying the words “To me, God is...” That is the key. To be an idolater, you make a god to suit yourself, one devoid of reference to sin, righteousness, and judgment. Make sure he or she likes the things you like and hates the things you hate. If you like lust, so will your god. If your god doesn’t mind lying and stealing, then you can lie, steal, and lust to your heart’s content. Your god will fill your heart with joy and your spirit with song ...right up until Judgment Day.
3. Before you were saved, what was your concept of God like?
Though I accepted Jesus years ago, my concept of God was off like most people. I would have described God as being loving and excepting, without fear and reverence.
But in the last few weeks I feel that my study of the Law in scripture has pointed out just how holy and righteous the God of the bible really is. As the teaching states:
"Cultivate an understanding of what God is like, as revealed in Scripture. That will put the fear of God in you and cause you to keep your heart free from sin, and at the same time you will have strong motivation to do what He says regarding the Great Commission."
4. Think of someone you know who is an idolater. What is his god like?
Just like the person.
5. How does the Catholic version of the Ten Commandments sidestep this prohibition?
It removed the second commandment! Then split the tenth commandment into 2, so they still have 10 commandments.
“You shall not make for yourself any graven image ...You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy to thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4–6).
Memory Verse
“You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
JAMES 4:4
Idolatry is perhaps the greatest of all sins because it opens the door to unrestrained evil.
2. Why do you think idolatry appeals to the secular mind?
It gives sinners license not only to tolerate sin, but to sanction it, fanned by demonic influence. If you make a god in your image, one you feel comfortable with, you can then create your own moral standards to go along with him...or her.
Some like to make a god that believes in a woman’s right to kill her children in the womb. Others prefer to create a god that rewards the killing of innocent people by granting immortality.
Listen carefully for people saying the words “To me, God is...” That is the key. To be an idolater, you make a god to suit yourself, one devoid of reference to sin, righteousness, and judgment. Make sure he or she likes the things you like and hates the things you hate. If you like lust, so will your god. If your god doesn’t mind lying and stealing, then you can lie, steal, and lust to your heart’s content. Your god will fill your heart with joy and your spirit with song ...right up until Judgment Day.
3. Before you were saved, what was your concept of God like?
Though I accepted Jesus years ago, my concept of God was off like most people. I would have described God as being loving and excepting, without fear and reverence.
But in the last few weeks I feel that my study of the Law in scripture has pointed out just how holy and righteous the God of the bible really is. As the teaching states:
"Cultivate an understanding of what God is like, as revealed in Scripture. That will put the fear of God in you and cause you to keep your heart free from sin, and at the same time you will have strong motivation to do what He says regarding the Great Commission."
4. Think of someone you know who is an idolater. What is his god like?
Just like the person.
5. How does the Catholic version of the Ten Commandments sidestep this prohibition?
It removed the second commandment! Then split the tenth commandment into 2, so they still have 10 commandments.
“You shall not make for yourself any graven image ...You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy to thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4–6).
Memory Verse
“You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
JAMES 4:4
Lesson 5: The Ten Commandments, Part 1
1. Name the First of the Ten Commandments.
“I am the LORD your God, which has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me”(Exodus 20:2,3).
2. Why do you think humanity has such a shallow understanding about what God requires of them? (See 2 Corinthians 4:3,4.)
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
3. What do you think could be the greatest sin of humanity?
To willfully, pridefully, purposely, and so simply turn their back on God.
4. In what ways have you transgressed this Commandment?
In any situation, if I fail to love God first and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then I will inevitably fail. By wandering off the God-first path, I immediately become a transgressor, violating His command.
5. Using Psalm 14 and Romans 3:10–18, list the characteristics of human nature.
Romans 3:10-18
10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”[a]
13 “Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”[b]
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[c]
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[d]
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[e]
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[f]
6. How did Jesus demonstrate that He kept this Commandment?
He lived a sinless life, gave all glory to God, resisted all of the devil's temptations, and then went to the cross to die for all of us (mankind).
7. Why should we put God first?
He alone is worthy.
Think...
A father once purchased a TV for his kids to watch cartoons in the afternoon. When he arrived home that night, his kids didn’t come to greet him; they were busy watching TV. His homecoming had become a nonevent. He walked over to the TV and turned it off, explaining to the children that he had purchased it for their pleasure, but if it came between him and their love for him, it was going. They were setting their affection on the gift, rather than on the giver. If we love anything more than God—our spouse, child, car, sport, or even our own life—we are setting our affection on the gift, rather than on the Giver. Placing anything above God is a transgression of the First of the Ten Commandments.
Memory Verse
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.”
MARK 12:30
“I am the LORD your God, which has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me”(Exodus 20:2,3).
2. Why do you think humanity has such a shallow understanding about what God requires of them? (See 2 Corinthians 4:3,4.)
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
3. What do you think could be the greatest sin of humanity?
To willfully, pridefully, purposely, and so simply turn their back on God.
4. In what ways have you transgressed this Commandment?
In any situation, if I fail to love God first and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then I will inevitably fail. By wandering off the God-first path, I immediately become a transgressor, violating His command.
5. Using Psalm 14 and Romans 3:10–18, list the characteristics of human nature.
Romans 3:10-18
10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”[a]
13 “Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”[b]
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[c]
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[d]
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[e]
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[f]
6. How did Jesus demonstrate that He kept this Commandment?
He lived a sinless life, gave all glory to God, resisted all of the devil's temptations, and then went to the cross to die for all of us (mankind).
7. Why should we put God first?
He alone is worthy.
Think...
A father once purchased a TV for his kids to watch cartoons in the afternoon. When he arrived home that night, his kids didn’t come to greet him; they were busy watching TV. His homecoming had become a nonevent. He walked over to the TV and turned it off, explaining to the children that he had purchased it for their pleasure, but if it came between him and their love for him, it was going. They were setting their affection on the gift, rather than on the giver. If we love anything more than God—our spouse, child, car, sport, or even our own life—we are setting our affection on the gift, rather than on the Giver. Placing anything above God is a transgression of the First of the Ten Commandments.
Memory Verse
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.”
MARK 12:30
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lesson 4: How to Confront Sinners
1. Why should we not tell sinners that God has a wonderful plan for their lives?
“Scratching people where they itch and addressing their ‘felt needs’ is a stratagem of the poor steward of the oracles of God. This was the recipe for success for the false prophets of the Old Testament.”
-R.C. SPROUL
The "wonderful plan" message is not the biblical way to draw sinners to Christ. It gives sinners a false-motive. They should not consider whether or not they WANT Jesus to give them purpose or life-enhancement, rather they should be fleeing to the cross because they realize their NEED of the Savior in order to enter the presence of a holy and righteous God.
Consider...
Our idea of “wonderful” and the world’s may be a little different. Take a sinner through the pages of the Book of Acts and show him the terrifying scene of rocks breaking the bones of Stephen. Then smile and whisper, “Wonderful...” Listen together to the sound of a cat-o’-nine-tails as it rips the flesh off the back of the apostle Paul. Follow together the word “suffering” through the Epistles, and see if you can get the world to whisper, “Wonderful!” Tell them that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). After such a ride down Honesty Road, they may think the pleasures of sin are a little more attractive than the call to “suffer affliction with the people of God” (Hebrews 11:25).
2. Give an example where Jesus used the Ten Commandments to show sinners God’s righteous standard.
The answer to our dilemma is to make the issue one of righteousness, rather than happiness. This is what Jesus did. He used the Ten Commandments to show sinners the righteous standard of God (Luke 10:25,26; 18:18–20). Once the world sees the perfect standard by which they will be judged, they will begin to fear God, and it is through the fear of the Lord that men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). They will begin to hunger and thirst after the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ alone.
PS - Who in the world is going to listen to our message if we are so blatantly honest about the Christian life? Perhaps not as many as are attracted by the talk of a wonderful plan. We must choose to do what Jesus did - HOW He did it - and then leave the results up to God. If not, we are not doing what is most biblical and the results are based more on a pragmatic approach, which is based on 'number of decisions' versus truly regenerated souls. We have all known back-sliders in the faith, who usually never slid-forward in the first place. When the "wonderful plan" wasn't so wonderful, they walked away disillusioned.
3. If we mention God’s love to a lost person, in what context should it be?
If you study the New Testament, you will see that God’s love is almost always given in direct correlation to the cross: herein is love, for God so loved, God commended His love, etc. (See John 3:16; Romans 5:5,6,8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4,5; 5:2,25; 1 John 3:16; 4:10; and Revelation 1:5, among others.) The cross is the focal point of God’s love for the world. How can we point to the cross without making reference to sin? How can we refer to sin without using the Law (Romans 7:7)? The biblical way to express God’s love to a sinner is to show him how great his sin is (using the Law—see Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:24), and then give him the incredible grace of God in Christ.
4. How did David come to realize his sin? (See 2 Samuel 12:1–13.)
For a biblical illustration of how to confront sinners using the issue of righteousness, let’s look to the life of King David. When David sinned with Bathsheba, he broke all of the Ten Commandments. He coveted his neighbor’s wife, lived a lie, stole her, committed adultery, murdered her husband, dishonored his parents, and thus broke the remaining four Commandments by dishonoring God. Therefore, the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to reprove him (2 Samuel 12:1–14).
There is great significance in the order in which the reproof came. Nathan gave David, the shepherd of Israel, a parable about something he could understand—sheep. He began with the natural realm, rather than immediately exposing the king’s sin. He told a story about a rich man who, instead of taking a sheep from his own flock, killed a poor man’s pet lamb to feed a stranger.
David was indignant, and sat up on his high throne of self-righteous-ness. He revealed his knowledge of the Law by declaring that the guilty party must restore fourfold and must die for his crime. Nathan then exposed the king’s sin of taking another man’s “lamb,” saying, “You are the man . . . Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil
in his sight?” When David cried, “I have sinned against the Lord,” the prophet then gave him grace and said, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
5. Why is citing Romans 3:23 to a sinner not sufficient for bringing about repentance?
Imagine if Nathan had glossed over the personal nature of David’s sin, with a general reference to all men having sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). David’s reaction might have been, “What sin are you talking about?” rather than to admit his terrible transgression. Imagine if Nathan, fearful of rejection, changed things around a little, and instead told David, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. However, there is something that is keeping you from enjoying this wonderful plan; it is called ‘sin.’”
Think of it—why should he cry, “I have sinned against the Lord” at the sound of that message? Instead, he may have, in a sincere desire to experience this “wonderful plan,” admitted that he, like all men, had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. If David had not been made to tremble under the wrath of the Law, the prophet would have removed the very means of producing godly sorrow, which is necessary for repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
It was the weight of David’s guilt that caused him to cry out, “I have sinned against the Lord.” The Law caused him to labor and become heavy laden; it made him hunger and thirst for righteousness. It enlightened him as to the serious nature of sin as far as God was concerned.
Memory Verse
“For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.”
2 CORINTHIANS 7:10
“Scratching people where they itch and addressing their ‘felt needs’ is a stratagem of the poor steward of the oracles of God. This was the recipe for success for the false prophets of the Old Testament.”
-R.C. SPROUL
The "wonderful plan" message is not the biblical way to draw sinners to Christ. It gives sinners a false-motive. They should not consider whether or not they WANT Jesus to give them purpose or life-enhancement, rather they should be fleeing to the cross because they realize their NEED of the Savior in order to enter the presence of a holy and righteous God.
Consider...
Our idea of “wonderful” and the world’s may be a little different. Take a sinner through the pages of the Book of Acts and show him the terrifying scene of rocks breaking the bones of Stephen. Then smile and whisper, “Wonderful...” Listen together to the sound of a cat-o’-nine-tails as it rips the flesh off the back of the apostle Paul. Follow together the word “suffering” through the Epistles, and see if you can get the world to whisper, “Wonderful!” Tell them that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). After such a ride down Honesty Road, they may think the pleasures of sin are a little more attractive than the call to “suffer affliction with the people of God” (Hebrews 11:25).
2. Give an example where Jesus used the Ten Commandments to show sinners God’s righteous standard.
The answer to our dilemma is to make the issue one of righteousness, rather than happiness. This is what Jesus did. He used the Ten Commandments to show sinners the righteous standard of God (Luke 10:25,26; 18:18–20). Once the world sees the perfect standard by which they will be judged, they will begin to fear God, and it is through the fear of the Lord that men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). They will begin to hunger and thirst after the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ alone.
PS - Who in the world is going to listen to our message if we are so blatantly honest about the Christian life? Perhaps not as many as are attracted by the talk of a wonderful plan. We must choose to do what Jesus did - HOW He did it - and then leave the results up to God. If not, we are not doing what is most biblical and the results are based more on a pragmatic approach, which is based on 'number of decisions' versus truly regenerated souls. We have all known back-sliders in the faith, who usually never slid-forward in the first place. When the "wonderful plan" wasn't so wonderful, they walked away disillusioned.
3. If we mention God’s love to a lost person, in what context should it be?
If you study the New Testament, you will see that God’s love is almost always given in direct correlation to the cross: herein is love, for God so loved, God commended His love, etc. (See John 3:16; Romans 5:5,6,8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4,5; 5:2,25; 1 John 3:16; 4:10; and Revelation 1:5, among others.) The cross is the focal point of God’s love for the world. How can we point to the cross without making reference to sin? How can we refer to sin without using the Law (Romans 7:7)? The biblical way to express God’s love to a sinner is to show him how great his sin is (using the Law—see Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:24), and then give him the incredible grace of God in Christ.
4. How did David come to realize his sin? (See 2 Samuel 12:1–13.)
For a biblical illustration of how to confront sinners using the issue of righteousness, let’s look to the life of King David. When David sinned with Bathsheba, he broke all of the Ten Commandments. He coveted his neighbor’s wife, lived a lie, stole her, committed adultery, murdered her husband, dishonored his parents, and thus broke the remaining four Commandments by dishonoring God. Therefore, the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to reprove him (2 Samuel 12:1–14).
There is great significance in the order in which the reproof came. Nathan gave David, the shepherd of Israel, a parable about something he could understand—sheep. He began with the natural realm, rather than immediately exposing the king’s sin. He told a story about a rich man who, instead of taking a sheep from his own flock, killed a poor man’s pet lamb to feed a stranger.
David was indignant, and sat up on his high throne of self-righteous-ness. He revealed his knowledge of the Law by declaring that the guilty party must restore fourfold and must die for his crime. Nathan then exposed the king’s sin of taking another man’s “lamb,” saying, “You are the man . . . Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil
in his sight?” When David cried, “I have sinned against the Lord,” the prophet then gave him grace and said, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
5. Why is citing Romans 3:23 to a sinner not sufficient for bringing about repentance?
Imagine if Nathan had glossed over the personal nature of David’s sin, with a general reference to all men having sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). David’s reaction might have been, “What sin are you talking about?” rather than to admit his terrible transgression. Imagine if Nathan, fearful of rejection, changed things around a little, and instead told David, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. However, there is something that is keeping you from enjoying this wonderful plan; it is called ‘sin.’”
Think of it—why should he cry, “I have sinned against the Lord” at the sound of that message? Instead, he may have, in a sincere desire to experience this “wonderful plan,” admitted that he, like all men, had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. If David had not been made to tremble under the wrath of the Law, the prophet would have removed the very means of producing godly sorrow, which is necessary for repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
It was the weight of David’s guilt that caused him to cry out, “I have sinned against the Lord.” The Law caused him to labor and become heavy laden; it made him hunger and thirst for righteousness. It enlightened him as to the serious nature of sin as far as God was concerned.
Memory Verse
“For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.”
2 CORINTHIANS 7:10
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Lesson 3: The Problem with the Modern Gospel
1. What percentage of those making decisions fall away from the faith?
80 to 90 percent of those making a decision for Christ were falling away from the faith. That is, modern evangelism was creating 80 to 90 of what we commonly call backsliders for every hundred decisions for Christ.
2. What is the tragedy of modern evangelism?
The tragedy of modern evangelism is that, around the turn of the twentieth century, the church forsook the Law in its capacity to convert the soul and drive sinners to Christ. Modern evangelism therefore had to find another reason for sinners to respond to the gospel, and the reason it chose was the issue of “life enhancement.” The gospel degenerated into “Jesus Christ will give you peace, joy, love, fulfillment, and lasting happiness.” Something like this is usually said, “You will never find true happiness until you come to the Lord. You have a ‘God-shaped vacuum’ in your heart that only He can fill. God will heal your marriage and take away that addiction problem. He’ll get you out of financial difficulty and be your best friend.”
BUT what if people are doing just fine: healthy, financially ok, etc... in their minds & hearts they will say “I’m doing fine. I don’t need God.”
Many people feel this way because of the modern gospel message. It says that Jesus will help their marriage, remove their drug problem, fill the emptiness in their heart, give them peace and joy, etc. In doing so, it restricts the gospel’s field of influence. If the message of the cross is for people who have bad marriages, are lonely, and have problems, then those who are happy won’t see their need for the Savior.
In truth, the forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ is for people with bad marriages and people with good marriages. It is for the happy and the sad. It is for people with problems and those without problems. It is for those who are miserable in their sins, as well as those who are enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season. Those who think they are doing fine need to be confronted with a holy Law that they have violated a multitude of times. Then they will see themselves through the eyes of the Judge of the Universe and will flee to the Savior.
3. What was the result of the first passenger’s experience?
Two men are seated on a plane. The first is given a parachute and told to put it on, as it would improve his flight. He’s a little skeptical at first, since he can’t see how wearing a parachute on a plane could possibly improve his flight. He decides to experiment and see if the claims are true. As he puts it on, he notices the weight of it upon his shoulders and he finds he has difficulty in sitting upright. However, he consoles himself with the fact he was told that the parachute would improve his flight. So he decides to give it a little time.
As he waits he notices that some of the other passengers are laughing at him for wearing a parachute on a plane. He begins to feel somewhat humiliated. As they continue to point and laugh at him, he can stand it no longer. He slinks in his seat, unstraps the parachute, and throws it to the floor. Disillusionment and bitterness fill his heart, because as far as he was concerned he was told an outright lie.
4. What was the result of the second passenger’s experience?
The second man is given a parachute, but listen to what he is told. He’s told to put it on because at any moment he’ll be jumping 25,000 feet out of the plane. He gratefully puts the parachute on. He doesn’t notice the weight of it upon his shoulders, nor that he can’t sit upright. His mind is consumed with the thought of what would happen to him if he jumped without the parachute.
Let’s now analyze the motive and the result of each passenger’s experience. The first man’s motive for putting the parachute on was solely to improve his flight. The result of his experience was that he was humiliated by the passengers, disillusioned, and somewhat embittered against those who gave him the parachute. As far as he’s concerned, it will be a long time before anyone gets one of those things on his back again.
The second man put the parachute on solely to escape the jump to come. And because of his knowledge of what would happen to him if he jumped without it, he has a deep-rooted joy and peace in his heart knowing that he’s saved from sure death. This knowledge gives him the ability to withstand the mockery of the other passengers. His attitude toward those who gave him the parachute is one of heartfelt gratitude.
5. What should we be telling the other “passengers”?
Instead of preaching that Jesus improves the flight, we should be warning sinners that they have to jump out of the plane—that it’s appointed for man to die once and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). When a sinner understands the horrific consequences of breaking the Law of God, he will flee to the Savior, solely to escape the wrath that is to come. If we are true and faithful witnesses, that’s what we’ll be preaching —that there is wrath to come—that God “commands all men every where to repent: because he has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30,31).
The issue isn’t one of life enhancement, but one of righteousness. It doesn’t matter how happy a sinner is, or how much he is enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season; without the righteousness of Christ, he will perish on the day of wrath. Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
6. What is it that the Bible says “delivers from death”?
Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
7. Why should a Christian have joy and peace?
As believers we have “joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13) because we know that the righteousness of Christ is going to deliver us from the wrath to come.
8. As Christians, what should tribulation do to us?
If we have put on the Lord Jesus Christ for the right motive—to flee from the wrath to come—then when tribulation strikes, when the flight gets bumpy, we won’t get angry at God, and we won’t lose our joy and peace. Why should we? We didn’t come to Christ for a better lifestyle, but to flee from the wrath to come. If anything, tribulation drives the true believer closer to the Savior.
Memory Verse
“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
PROVERBS 11:4
80 to 90 percent of those making a decision for Christ were falling away from the faith. That is, modern evangelism was creating 80 to 90 of what we commonly call backsliders for every hundred decisions for Christ.
2. What is the tragedy of modern evangelism?
The tragedy of modern evangelism is that, around the turn of the twentieth century, the church forsook the Law in its capacity to convert the soul and drive sinners to Christ. Modern evangelism therefore had to find another reason for sinners to respond to the gospel, and the reason it chose was the issue of “life enhancement.” The gospel degenerated into “Jesus Christ will give you peace, joy, love, fulfillment, and lasting happiness.” Something like this is usually said, “You will never find true happiness until you come to the Lord. You have a ‘God-shaped vacuum’ in your heart that only He can fill. God will heal your marriage and take away that addiction problem. He’ll get you out of financial difficulty and be your best friend.”
BUT what if people are doing just fine: healthy, financially ok, etc... in their minds & hearts they will say “I’m doing fine. I don’t need God.”
Many people feel this way because of the modern gospel message. It says that Jesus will help their marriage, remove their drug problem, fill the emptiness in their heart, give them peace and joy, etc. In doing so, it restricts the gospel’s field of influence. If the message of the cross is for people who have bad marriages, are lonely, and have problems, then those who are happy won’t see their need for the Savior.
In truth, the forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ is for people with bad marriages and people with good marriages. It is for the happy and the sad. It is for people with problems and those without problems. It is for those who are miserable in their sins, as well as those who are enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season. Those who think they are doing fine need to be confronted with a holy Law that they have violated a multitude of times. Then they will see themselves through the eyes of the Judge of the Universe and will flee to the Savior.
3. What was the result of the first passenger’s experience?
Two men are seated on a plane. The first is given a parachute and told to put it on, as it would improve his flight. He’s a little skeptical at first, since he can’t see how wearing a parachute on a plane could possibly improve his flight. He decides to experiment and see if the claims are true. As he puts it on, he notices the weight of it upon his shoulders and he finds he has difficulty in sitting upright. However, he consoles himself with the fact he was told that the parachute would improve his flight. So he decides to give it a little time.
As he waits he notices that some of the other passengers are laughing at him for wearing a parachute on a plane. He begins to feel somewhat humiliated. As they continue to point and laugh at him, he can stand it no longer. He slinks in his seat, unstraps the parachute, and throws it to the floor. Disillusionment and bitterness fill his heart, because as far as he was concerned he was told an outright lie.
4. What was the result of the second passenger’s experience?
The second man is given a parachute, but listen to what he is told. He’s told to put it on because at any moment he’ll be jumping 25,000 feet out of the plane. He gratefully puts the parachute on. He doesn’t notice the weight of it upon his shoulders, nor that he can’t sit upright. His mind is consumed with the thought of what would happen to him if he jumped without the parachute.
Let’s now analyze the motive and the result of each passenger’s experience. The first man’s motive for putting the parachute on was solely to improve his flight. The result of his experience was that he was humiliated by the passengers, disillusioned, and somewhat embittered against those who gave him the parachute. As far as he’s concerned, it will be a long time before anyone gets one of those things on his back again.
The second man put the parachute on solely to escape the jump to come. And because of his knowledge of what would happen to him if he jumped without it, he has a deep-rooted joy and peace in his heart knowing that he’s saved from sure death. This knowledge gives him the ability to withstand the mockery of the other passengers. His attitude toward those who gave him the parachute is one of heartfelt gratitude.
5. What should we be telling the other “passengers”?
Instead of preaching that Jesus improves the flight, we should be warning sinners that they have to jump out of the plane—that it’s appointed for man to die once and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). When a sinner understands the horrific consequences of breaking the Law of God, he will flee to the Savior, solely to escape the wrath that is to come. If we are true and faithful witnesses, that’s what we’ll be preaching —that there is wrath to come—that God “commands all men every where to repent: because he has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30,31).
The issue isn’t one of life enhancement, but one of righteousness. It doesn’t matter how happy a sinner is, or how much he is enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season; without the righteousness of Christ, he will perish on the day of wrath. Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
6. What is it that the Bible says “delivers from death”?
Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
7. Why should a Christian have joy and peace?
As believers we have “joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13) because we know that the righteousness of Christ is going to deliver us from the wrath to come.
8. As Christians, what should tribulation do to us?
If we have put on the Lord Jesus Christ for the right motive—to flee from the wrath to come—then when tribulation strikes, when the flight gets bumpy, we won’t get angry at God, and we won’t lose our joy and peace. Why should we? We didn’t come to Christ for a better lifestyle, but to flee from the wrath to come. If anything, tribulation drives the true believer closer to the Savior.
Memory Verse
“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.”
PROVERBS 11:4
Lesson 2: Making Grace Amazing
1. What is a definition of grace?
Grace can be defined as “unmerited favor to the infinitely ill-deserving,” or, in other words, “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
2. Why should the Christian be concerned about how to make grace amazing to the world?
False Conversion - If we only tell sinners that God loved them so much that He gave His only Son to die in their place it seems to have less relevance to them than the day’s weather forecast. To them, the forecast is at least applicable to them here and now.
3. What is it that makes grace abound?
The solution to this dilemma can be found in Romans 5:20. Here we are informed why God gave His Law to us: “Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
Memory Verse
“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
ROMANS 5:20
When sin abounds, grace “much more” abounds, and according to Scripture, the thing that makes sin abound is the Law.
4. What caused the speedster to see the seriousness of his transgression?
The Law: Notice what happens when the law enters the fast lane, with red lights flashing. The speedster’s heart misses a beat. He is no longer secure in the fact that other motorists are also speeding. He knows that he is personally as guilty as the next guy, and he could be the one the law pulls over. The fact that there are other people doing it is irrelevant. Suddenly, his “mere” 15 mph transgression doesn’t seem such a small thing after all; it seems to abound.
5. What did Charles Spurgeon say about the Law?
Charles Spurgeon said that “the Law serves a most necessary purpose.” How true are his words regarding sinners: “They will never accept grace, until they tremble before a just and holy Law.”
6. Why did the prostitute weep at the mention of God’s love?
Her tears were not tears of godly sorrow for sin, but merely an emotional response to the need of a father’s love. In my ignorance, I joyfully led her in a sinner’s prayer. However, I was disappointed sometime later when she fell away, and her tender heart became very callous toward the things of God.
It is important to realize that we can evoke a tearful response from sinners by saying that God loves them. The message is more appealing to both the Christian and the sinner.
7. What did John Newton say about the harmony between Law and grace?
Paradoxically, the Law makes grace abound, in the same way that darkness makes light shine. It was John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace,” who said that a wrong understanding of the harmony between Law and grace would produce “error on the left and the right hand.”
Memory Verse
“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
ROMANS 5:20
Grace can be defined as “unmerited favor to the infinitely ill-deserving,” or, in other words, “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
2. Why should the Christian be concerned about how to make grace amazing to the world?
False Conversion - If we only tell sinners that God loved them so much that He gave His only Son to die in their place it seems to have less relevance to them than the day’s weather forecast. To them, the forecast is at least applicable to them here and now.
3. What is it that makes grace abound?
The solution to this dilemma can be found in Romans 5:20. Here we are informed why God gave His Law to us: “Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
Memory Verse
“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
ROMANS 5:20
When sin abounds, grace “much more” abounds, and according to Scripture, the thing that makes sin abound is the Law.
4. What caused the speedster to see the seriousness of his transgression?
The Law: Notice what happens when the law enters the fast lane, with red lights flashing. The speedster’s heart misses a beat. He is no longer secure in the fact that other motorists are also speeding. He knows that he is personally as guilty as the next guy, and he could be the one the law pulls over. The fact that there are other people doing it is irrelevant. Suddenly, his “mere” 15 mph transgression doesn’t seem such a small thing after all; it seems to abound.
5. What did Charles Spurgeon say about the Law?
Charles Spurgeon said that “the Law serves a most necessary purpose.” How true are his words regarding sinners: “They will never accept grace, until they tremble before a just and holy Law.”
6. Why did the prostitute weep at the mention of God’s love?
Her tears were not tears of godly sorrow for sin, but merely an emotional response to the need of a father’s love. In my ignorance, I joyfully led her in a sinner’s prayer. However, I was disappointed sometime later when she fell away, and her tender heart became very callous toward the things of God.
It is important to realize that we can evoke a tearful response from sinners by saying that God loves them. The message is more appealing to both the Christian and the sinner.
7. What did John Newton say about the harmony between Law and grace?
Paradoxically, the Law makes grace abound, in the same way that darkness makes light shine. It was John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace,” who said that a wrong understanding of the harmony between Law and grace would produce “error on the left and the right hand.”
Memory Verse
“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
ROMANS 5:20
Lesson 1: The Forgotten Key to Biblical Evangelism
Questions and Answers
1. How did Paul seek to persuade his hearers concerning Jesus? Why did he do this?
In Acts 28:23 the Bible tells us that Paul sought to persuade his hearers “concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets.” Here are two effective means of persuading the unsaved “concerning Jesus.”
Let’s first look at how the prophets can help persuade sinners concerning Jesus. Fulfilled prophecy proves the inspiration of Scripture. The predictions of the prophets present a powerful case for the inspiration of the Bible. Any skeptic who reads the prophetic words of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, etc., or the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 cannot help but be challenged that this is no ordinary book.
The other means by which Paul persuaded sinners concerning Jesus was “out of the law of Moses.” The Bible tells us that the Law of Moses is good if it is used lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8). For what purpose was God’s Law designed? The following verses tell us: “The Law is not made for a righteous person, but...for sinners” (1 Timothy 1:9,10). It even lists the sinners for us: the disobedient, the ungodly, murderers, fornicators, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, etc. The Law was designed primarily as an evangelistic tool. Paul wrote that he “had not known sin, but by the law” (Romans 7:7). The Law of God (the Ten Commandments) is evidently the “key of knowledge” that Jesus mentioned in Luke 11:52. He was speaking to lawyers—those who should have been teaching God’s Law so that sinners would receive the “knowledge of sin,” and thus recognize their need of the Savior.
Prophecy speaks to the intellect of the sinner, while the Law speaks to the conscience. One produces faith in the Word of God; the other brings knowledge of sin in the heart of the sinner. The Law is the God-given “key” to unlock the Door of salvation.
2. What is it that actually converts the soul? (See Psalm 19:7.)
The Bible says in Psalm 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.” Scripture makes it very clear that it is the Law that actually converts the soul.
3. Why do you think the preaching of the cross seems foolish and offensive to an unregenerate sinner?
Without being aware of that you're a law-breaker (sinner, transgressor before a holy God) good news wouldn’t be good news to you; it would seem foolishness. But more than that, it would be offensive to you, because I’m insinuating you’ve broken the law when you don’t think you have.
By telling you precisely what you’ve done wrong first actually enables the good news to make sense. If I don’t clearly bring understanding that you’ve violated the law, then the good news will seem foolishness and offensive. But once you understand that you’ve broken the law, then that good news will become good news indeed.
4. Therefore, what should someone be told first, before he hears the good news of his fine being paid?
The Law (ie The Law of Moses, ie The Ten Commandments).
PS - using commandments 9 (lying), 8 (stealing), 7 (adultery of the heart), 6 (murder in your heart), and/or 3 (blasphemy) is more than enough to prick the conscience.
5. What does it mean that the Law “stops every mouth”? (See Romans 3:19.)
Romans 3:19 says, “Now we know that whatsoever things the law says, it says to them who are under the law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” So one function of God’s Law is to stop the mouth, to keep sinners from justifying themselves by saying, “There are plenty of people worse than me. I’m not a bad person, really.” No, the law stops the mouth of justification and leaves, not just the Jews, but the whole world guilty before God.
6. What are four functions of the Law? (See Romans 3:19,20; 7:7; Galatians 3:24.)
Rom 3:19 shows us that it 1)stops the mouth and 2)leaves the entire world guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 "...for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” So God’s Law 3)tells us what sin is
In Galatians 3:24 we learn that God’s Law 4)acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Jesus Christ that we might be justified through faith in His blood. The Law doesn’t help us; it just leaves us helpless. It doesn’t justify us; it just leaves us guilty before the judgment bar of a holy God.
7. What is the biblical definition of sin? (See 1 John 3:4.)
“Sin is transgression of the law.”
Memory Verse
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
GALATIANS 3:24
1. How did Paul seek to persuade his hearers concerning Jesus? Why did he do this?
In Acts 28:23 the Bible tells us that Paul sought to persuade his hearers “concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets.” Here are two effective means of persuading the unsaved “concerning Jesus.”
Let’s first look at how the prophets can help persuade sinners concerning Jesus. Fulfilled prophecy proves the inspiration of Scripture. The predictions of the prophets present a powerful case for the inspiration of the Bible. Any skeptic who reads the prophetic words of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, etc., or the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 cannot help but be challenged that this is no ordinary book.
The other means by which Paul persuaded sinners concerning Jesus was “out of the law of Moses.” The Bible tells us that the Law of Moses is good if it is used lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8). For what purpose was God’s Law designed? The following verses tell us: “The Law is not made for a righteous person, but...for sinners” (1 Timothy 1:9,10). It even lists the sinners for us: the disobedient, the ungodly, murderers, fornicators, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, etc. The Law was designed primarily as an evangelistic tool. Paul wrote that he “had not known sin, but by the law” (Romans 7:7). The Law of God (the Ten Commandments) is evidently the “key of knowledge” that Jesus mentioned in Luke 11:52. He was speaking to lawyers—those who should have been teaching God’s Law so that sinners would receive the “knowledge of sin,” and thus recognize their need of the Savior.
Prophecy speaks to the intellect of the sinner, while the Law speaks to the conscience. One produces faith in the Word of God; the other brings knowledge of sin in the heart of the sinner. The Law is the God-given “key” to unlock the Door of salvation.
2. What is it that actually converts the soul? (See Psalm 19:7.)
The Bible says in Psalm 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.” Scripture makes it very clear that it is the Law that actually converts the soul.
3. Why do you think the preaching of the cross seems foolish and offensive to an unregenerate sinner?
Without being aware of that you're a law-breaker (sinner, transgressor before a holy God) good news wouldn’t be good news to you; it would seem foolishness. But more than that, it would be offensive to you, because I’m insinuating you’ve broken the law when you don’t think you have.
By telling you precisely what you’ve done wrong first actually enables the good news to make sense. If I don’t clearly bring understanding that you’ve violated the law, then the good news will seem foolishness and offensive. But once you understand that you’ve broken the law, then that good news will become good news indeed.
4. Therefore, what should someone be told first, before he hears the good news of his fine being paid?
The Law (ie The Law of Moses, ie The Ten Commandments).
PS - using commandments 9 (lying), 8 (stealing), 7 (adultery of the heart), 6 (murder in your heart), and/or 3 (blasphemy) is more than enough to prick the conscience.
5. What does it mean that the Law “stops every mouth”? (See Romans 3:19.)
Romans 3:19 says, “Now we know that whatsoever things the law says, it says to them who are under the law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” So one function of God’s Law is to stop the mouth, to keep sinners from justifying themselves by saying, “There are plenty of people worse than me. I’m not a bad person, really.” No, the law stops the mouth of justification and leaves, not just the Jews, but the whole world guilty before God.
6. What are four functions of the Law? (See Romans 3:19,20; 7:7; Galatians 3:24.)
Rom 3:19 shows us that it 1)stops the mouth and 2)leaves the entire world guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 "...for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” So God’s Law 3)tells us what sin is
In Galatians 3:24 we learn that God’s Law 4)acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Jesus Christ that we might be justified through faith in His blood. The Law doesn’t help us; it just leaves us helpless. It doesn’t justify us; it just leaves us guilty before the judgment bar of a holy God.
7. What is the biblical definition of sin? (See 1 John 3:4.)
“Sin is transgression of the law.”
Memory Verse
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
GALATIANS 3:24
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