how to study the gospel with someone - wesley thompson

8/4/2019 How to Study the Gospel With Someone - Wesley Thompson

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How to Study the

Gospel with Someone

W e s l e y T h o m p s o n

An easy-to-use resource to guide teens, college students,

& adults through one on one Bible studies on the gospel.


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PurposeThis book provides teens through adults the information needed to lead one-on-oneevangelistic Bible studies. It provides step by step information including: Bible passages,questions, illustrations, options for increased in-depth study on certain topics, andinstruction on what notes to write down together.

Alternate UseWhile this book was not designed specifically for use in the classroom, it can be used as

a resource to teach this evangelistic approach in your Sunday morning and Wednesday

night Bible classes or in other group settings. A suggested approach to this is

demonstrated below.Weeks 1&2 Introduction to Evangelism

The introduction to this book could be used to help prepare these

lessons, but additional information would be necessary.)

Week 3 Lesson 1 The Authority

Week 4 Lesson 2 Sin and Its Effect on Us

Week 5 Lesson 3 The Promise

Week 6 Lesson 4 The Law

Week 7 Lesson 5 The Fulfilment of the Promise

Week 8 Lesson 6 Accepting the Gift

Week 9 Optional Follow Up Study Examples of Salvation in Acts

Weeks 10-11 Practice sessionsFor this series, you would need to provide each student with a copy of this book. After the first two

weeks of introduction, you would go through each of the lessons in this book as a class. During your

two practice sessions at the end of this series, you would have those in the class pair up with someone.

In the first of these two sessions, one student would choose a lesson and lead their partner as if they

were teaching the material to a non-Christian. In the second session, they would swap roles and the

other student would choose a different lesson to teach their partner. This is a great way to simulate an

actual one-on-one Bible study and it will help your students to realize that they ARE CAPABLE of

studying the gospel with someone! This is an 11 week plan while most congregations use a 13 week

curriculum. However, there will most likely be lessons that take more than one week of your Bible

classes, filling these 2 additional weeks.


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CONTENTS

Introduction

How to Use this Book and What to Expect.1

Lesson 1

The Authority.........6

Lesson 2

Sin and Its Effect on Us.....................20

Lesson 3

The Promise...............32

Lesson 4

The Law..42

Lesson 5

The Fulfilment of the Promise..57

Lesson 6Accepting the Gift73

Optional Follow-up StudyExamples of Salvation in Acts........89

ReferenceLesson Summaries.....91Quick View of Cards...................96Bibliography.....................99


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IntroductionHow to Use this Book & What to Expect

Studying the gospel with someone can be very intimidating to Christians of allages. Many times people in the church believe this is the job of the preacher or other

ministers, but we are all called to share the good news of salvation in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15

says (this and all other quotations are taken out of the 1999 New International

Version), But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an

answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do

this with gentleness and respect. We often feel that we do not know our Bibles well

enough to teach someone else, and we may feel that we must be prepared to answer any

question on the spot. You may say, I dont know what to teach and what to leave out,

what questions to ask, or what format to use! These questions and fears keep many

Christians from sharing their faith. As a youth, college student or adult you have

opportunity to share the gospel with people and make an eternal impact on their lives. As

a youth, you have the opportunity to teach others who are at the time in their lives when

they are making decisions about God, and making many choices about what type of

person they will be. As a college student, you have similar opportunities. There are

many people in your schools who are outcasts and are looking for someone to show

interest in them. We need to show love and compassion for them by not only befriending

them but also by teaching them about the deep love of Jesus. Adults have opportunities

to talk to their co-workers, friends, and other parents they know through their childrens

extra-curricular activities. This book is written in such a way that Christian teens, college

students, and adults alike can read it and immediately begin sharing the good news of

Jesus with others. My hope and goal is that this book eliminates many of your questions

and fears about studying the gospel with someone by providing step by step information,including what Scriptures to look up together, what questions to ask, what answers you

need to hear, examples and illustrations, and what to write down together.

In every lesson, you and those you are studying with will write the main Scripture

references and points you discuss on index cards. Index cards are preferred to notebooks


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or other methods because they are small and a little stronger. You can store them in your

Bible and keep up with them easily. You can also take a picture of them with your cell

phone, so they are always accessible. Abbreviate the books of the Bible in your citations

to ensure that you have enough space. For example, you should write Mt 17:1-5

instead of Matthew 17:1-5. If you have smaller to normal hand writing this information

will fit on a 3x5 index card, but if not you can use a 4x6 index card instead (also there is

always room on the back if you need it). While the format of this book is user friendly,

you should still read over each lesson before your study and make sure you understand

the material. If you have any questions, talk to someone you respect as a Christian and

study it for yourself.

You can guarantee that there will still be questions that you dont know how to

answer. Dont feel like you have to be able to answer every question on the spot. Learn

to say, That is a good question and Im not sure how to answer it now, but Ill be glad

to look it up and we can discuss it next time. However, it is important that you research

this question and prepare yourself to discuss it the next time you meet. Many times

questions lead you off topic; in these instances you may need to say, That is a great

question, but its really anothertopic than what we are studying; after we finish this

study, we can begin to study that subject if you would like. For example, you might

say this is if you are studying about Sin and its Effect on Us and the person you are

studying with asks you about instrumental music in the worship assembly or womens

role in the church. These are good topics but are secondary issues to the gospel and can

cause you to get completely off topic or drive people away before you have a chance to

really develop a Biblical relationship with them. These two phrases are very helpful and

you will find that you may say them quite often. Learn them and use them.

It is not recommended to study with 2 non-Christians at once, because one person

may dominate the discussion and not let the other ask questions, however it can be done

if you or they feel strongly about it. However, if another Christian is close to this person

and wants to join in the study; this will help them learn how to study the gospel with you.

If this is the case it is very important that you agree who is leading the study and let that

person guide the study along. Also, you should make sure this is the preference of the


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person you are to study with. In some cases it is actually better to have another Christian

friend with you. For example, if a guy wants to study the gospel with a girl he knows and

she has a female Christian friend in common with him; he should ask her to join their

study so this girl feels more comfortable. In this instance, the guy would lead the study,

and the girl would help answer questions, make comments, and be available to talk with

this person in between lessons.

You will begin each lesson by writing the card number and topic on the top line of

the index card. Then there are many tools to help you along the way. Everything in

black lettering is meant for you to say out-loud, while red lettering signifies that the

information is for the teacher and is not meant to be read aloud. After lesson one, each

lesson begins by reviewing the information you have learned in previous lessons.

Summaries of each lesson are available in the reference section located at the back of the

book. You will often see the phrase followed by a question in blue

lettering. This will help you to easily find the next question to discuss. This tool appears

very often throughout the lesson, because it is very important to get the person you are

studying with engaged by asking questions and responding positively to their feedback.

This does not mean that you agree with everything they say but that you encourage their

effort and show that you value their input. The Scriptures that you are to read together

are provided but you should still turn in your Bible to the specific passages. These are

provided to help you to study beforehand and to be able to quickly look back or reference

them later in the study if needed. When it is time for you to write something down, this

will be marked with green lettering. Also, an example of what is being written is

provided with the most recent addition in green, while previous notes are in black. On

occasion you will come across an These are written in purple and offer

more in-depth study on a specific topic if needed. If you feel that this information is not

necessary for your study, you can skip forward to the next section described in the

intersection.

This study will begin with a lesson entitled The Authority, which focuses on

Jesus authority over the church and the inspirat ion of the Bible. It teaches how we

should mold our beliefs and lives around its teachings. This is a vital lesson, because it is


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necessary for the person you are studying with to agree that the Bible will be the standard

by which you both determine what to believe when it comes to spiritual matters. If the

person does not agree to this, then you will not be able to make any progress with any of

the other lessons. You will need to stop this series and answer their questions or let

someone who has more knowledge on the topic take over the study until they come to

this point. This book is meant to help you teach the gospel to someone who believes in

God and the Bible, but has not yet been taught the truth of the gospel. You will need

another source to study with someone who does not believe in God, Jesus, or the

inspiration of the Bible.

The second lesson is entitled Sin & Its Effect on Us and contains an in-depth

look at sin and its consequences. In this lesson, sin is established as the barrier that

separates God from mankind. The title of the third lesson is The Promise and it is

focused on how God began to bring about our salvation in the Old Testament, beginning

with a promise to Abraham. Many people will go straight from our sin problem to Jesus

as Savior, which is effective, but does not show how God worked to bring about our

salvation throughout the Old Testament. This series of lessons will explain the role of the

Promise, circumcision, and the Law in Gods plan to bring about salvation. This will

give people a complete view of God working throughout the entire Bible to bring about

our salvation. Continuing this theme, the fourth lesson is entitled The Law and looks at

the strengths, weaknesses, and purpose of the Law. The title of the fifth lesson is The

Fulfillment of the Promise and it shows how Jesus fulfilled the Promise made to

Abraham and offers salvation to all by paying the price for our sin through His death on

the cross. The sixth lesson is entitled Accepting the Gift and teaches how to accept the

free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) offered by God through Christ that no one could ever

earn on their own.

I believe you will find that you are able to share the gospel with someone. I hope

this book takes away many of your fears or excuses. Remember there is no secret

formula that guarantees someone will respond to the gospel by putting on Christ in

baptism. It is not your responsibility to make them make the right decision. It is not even

your responsibility to convict the heart of the person you are studying with (the Holy


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Spirit does that). You simply must have a love for Jesus, a desire to share His love and

message of salvation with others, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and

share with people this great message of salvation.


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Lesson 1The Authority

This study will focus on the source of authority when it comes to the subjects of

God, Jesus, salvation, and other important Biblical topics. Card number 1 is entitled

The Authority. On the first line of the index card write the number 1. and The

Authority as illustrated below.

1. The Authority

Everyone has their own opinion on any subject matter, from sports, to music,favorite television shows, or what restaurants are the best. There are also many different

opinions on salvation and other Biblical topics. What may influence

someones opinion on any given Biblical topic? Answers to this may include: the belief

of the individuals parents, what denomination or religious group he was raised in,

favorite authors. What separates ones opinion from another? If your

friend told you that it was okay for you to cut through parking lots to avoid traffic lights,

but a policeman warned you that it is against the law; who do you listen to? Or maybe

the better question is who should you listen to? What separates the

opinion or advice received from the friend versus that received from the police officer?

The policeman has authority that your friend does not have. He has the ability to give

you a ticket and charge you a fine. Likewise, in Biblical matters it is important that we

do not get caught up in opinions which may be false teachings but search for the authority

on the matter. Therefore, this study aims to help us discover the source of authority when

it comes to Biblical matters. The first passage that we will look at is Matthew 17:1-5.

On the next line of the index card, write Mt 17:1-5 on the far left side as

illustrated below and ask the person you are studying with to read this passage.

1. The AuthorityMt 17:1-5


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This passage begins with Jesus taking Peter, James, and John to the mountain by

themselves. While they were there, He was transfigured. What does

it mean to be transfigured? If you break down the word trans means change (as in

transition) and figure refers to appearance. Therefore, if Jesus was transfigured, Hisappearance changed. In fact, the passage goes on to say that His face was bright like the

sun and His clothes were as white as the light. We get the word metamorphosis from

the Greek word used in this passage. After Jesus was transfigured,

who appeared with Him? They should be able to respond that it was Moses and Elijah.

Who was Moses? According to the persons knowledge of Scripture,

their answer may vary in detail. Most people will know some of the major events in his

life; however, do not be surprised (or respond negatively) if the person only remembers

the name and does not know much about him. Moses may be known for many things,

but two specific things stand out. First, Moses was called and used by God to lead the

Israelites out of slavery. This happened in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 3:1-4:17, God

called Moses through a burning bush; and, in chapters 7-14 of Exodus, Moses and Aaron

spoke to Pharaoh who let the Israelites go after God sent 10 plagues upon Egypt.

Therefore, Moses was seen as the Great Freer(or rescuer) of Israel. Moses was also

known for receiving the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai in Exodus 20:1-17, which

were the basis of the entire law. So, Moses was known as the Lawgiver and the one who

led Israel out of slavery. After you feel the person has a good grasp of Moses and the

significance of his role in Israels history, move on to the next paragraph.

Who was Elijah? After asking this question, you might find

that those who had knowledge of Moses may not know as much about Elijah. Elijah was

Matthew 17:1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother

of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2. There He was

transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as

white as the light. 3. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah,

talking with Jesus. 4. Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If Youwish, I will put up three sheltersone for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah. 5.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the

cloud said, This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to

Him!


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a great prophet. In fact, many view Elijah as the greatest prophet in the history of Israel.

In 1 Kings 18:16-40, Elijah stood up to 450 prophets of Baal and to the king; proving

God to be the one true God. Also, in 2 Kings 2:11 we see that Elijah was taken up to

heaven in a whirlwind. What famous person (alive or dead) would

you most like to meet and why? For a Jew, Moses the lawgiver and freer of Israel, and

Elijah, the great prophet, were two of the most significant figures in their history. These

are the heroes that they admired and respected. So when Peter, James, and John saw

Moses and Elijah standing with Jesus, they were amazed, even star-struck. Their

attention to the transfigured Jesus was overshadowed by these two great men, and they

wanted to build a shelter and/or memorial for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. It was almost as

if they were saying, Wow Jesus, You are worthy of being in the same company of

Moses and Elijah. But, while they were still speaking, a bright cloud surrounded them

and a voice, which by context appears to be God, the Father, spoke.

What did God say from the cloud? God said that Jesus was His son and to listen to Him.

In saying this, God tells Peter, James, and John; Yes, Moses was a great man who I

worked through to free Israel and to pass down the Law, and Elijah was a great man

whom I spoke through and did many miraculous things through, but Jesus is my Son, in

whom I am well pleased; listen to Him. Likewise, there may be many people we admire

and respect who have taught us many things; however, above everyone else we must

listen to Jesus, Himself. Above any Biblical commentary or book, friend, teacher, coach,

preacher or even our parents, we must follow the teachings of Jesus. Jesus is Gods son,

and in Biblical matters, He has the authority. He has supreme power and final authority

over any other man/woman of God: past, present, or future. So what we see in this

passage is - above all we need to listen to Jesus. Across from Matthew 17:1-5 on the

index card write, Above all we must listen to Jesus and on the next line of the index

card, write Mt 28:18 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the

left of the last reader to read.

1. The AuthorityMt 17:1-5 Above all we must listen to Jesus.

Mt 28:18


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According to this passage, how much authority does Jesus

have and where is His authority over? The answer, according to this passage, is that

Jesus has all authority over heaven and earth. If Jesus has all

authority - then who can claim to have authority over Him today? The obvious answer to

this question is that if Jesus has all authority then that leaves no room for someone to

claim authority over Jesus in a particular matter. Christ is the authority over everything.

So then, according to this passage, Jesus has all authority. Across from Matthew 28:18

on the index card write, Jesus has allauthority and on the next line of the index card,

write Eph 1:18-23 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left

of the last reader to read.


Mt 28:18 Jesus has all authority.

Eph 1:18-23

We will focus on verses 20-23. Will you explain to me in

your own words what this passage teaches? This passage again talks about the authority

of Christ. Look at this passage again and point out all the absolute terms used in this

passage (the most significant of which are in bold). Christ is far above all rule and

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on

earth has been given to Me.

Ephesians 1:18. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in orderthat you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His gloriousinheritance in the saints, 19. And His incomparably great power for us who believe.That power is like the working of His mighty strength, 20. which He exerted in

Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in theheavenly realms, 21. far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, andevery title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one tocome. 22. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head

over everything for the church, 23. which is His body, the fullness of Him who fillseverything in every way.


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authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the

present age but also in the one to come. God placed all things under His feet and

appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the

fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. So, what

point is Paul trying to get through to us? Jesus may have come to the earth as a servant,

but He is now in a great position of authority and is head over EVERYTHING for the

church. Similar to before, If Christ has all authority (especially over

the church) who can claim to have authority over Him? The obvious answer is no one!

So, we understand from this passage that Jesus is over everything for the church. Across

from Ephesians 1:18-23 on the index card write, Jesus is over everything for the

church, and on the next line of the index card, write Jn 12:44-50 on the far left side

as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to read.



Eph 1:18-23 Jesus is over everything for the church.

Jn 12:44-50

Who is going to judge us according to this passage? Many

people will not be able to see the proper answer right away. They may say that Jesus is

the judge. It is true that in other passages Jesus is portrayed as the judge on the Day of

Judgment. In John 5:24-27, it says I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and

believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed

John 12:44. Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in Me, he does not believe in

Me only, but in the One who sent Me. 45. When he looks at Me, he sees the Onewho sent Me. 46. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believesin Me should stay in darkness. 47. As for the person who hears My words but doesnot keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to

save it. 48. There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept Mywords; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49. For I didnot speak of My own accord, but the Father who sent Me commanded Me what to

say and how to say it. 50. I know that His command leads to eternal life. Sowhatever I say is just what the Father has told Me to say."


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over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the

dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For, as the

Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has

given Him authority to JUDGEbecause He is the son of man (emphasis mine). Other

passages that speak of Christ as judge are Acts 10:42-43 and 2 Timothy 4:1.

They also may respond by saying God is the judge in this passage. Again, it is

true that God, the Father, is described as the judge in other passages of Scripture. For

example, Hebrews 12:22-24 says that you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly

Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of

angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in

heaven. You have come to God, theJUDGE of all men, to the spirits of righteous men

made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a New Covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that

speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (emphasis mine). Other passages that

declare God as judge include Acts 17:29-31 and Hebrews 10:30-31.

In other passages we see both God, the Father, and Jesus portrayed as judge. But

in this passage (John 12:44-50) another judge is spoken of. In verse 47, Jesus declares

that He did not come to judge the world but to save it. Then in verse 48, He declares that

there is a judge for the one who does not accept His words. Who or

what is that judge (as seen in verse 48)? The Word is said to be the judge. Jesus says in

verse 48 that very word which I spoke will condemn him on the last day. He explains

this by stating that these words were the words of God. When you

were in school, who was your judge? There are actually multiple answers to this

question. Your teacher was your judge. They assessed your work and assigned you

grades accordingly. Your principal was your judge because he had the power to punish,

suspend, or expel you from school. But what other judge was there? Your work judged

you as well or your knowledge of the material available for you to learn. Did you listen,

study, and apply the information given to you? This is what you were judged by.

Similarly, God is judge; He is creator and has complete power over us. Jesus is judge;

because He has provided the means of our salvation and is at the right hand of God. But,

the Word is also our judge; because It is inspired by God and contains the message of


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salvation. As Romans 1:16 says, I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the

power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the

Gentile. On the Day of Judgment, we are judged by whether or not we have obeyed the

gospel contained in the Word of God, by being restored to God through the sacrifice of

Jesus Christ. If you were going to have an exam the following day,

what would you want to know? You would want to know what the exam would be on;

what subject, even what specific topic or chapters in your textbook.

In order for you to pass the exam, what would you need to know? You would need to

know the material that you were going to be tested on. So then, if we

are going to be judged by the Word of God, then what does that mean? It means we must

study and know what the Word of God says. Gods Word is available for us to learn and

to know. 1 John 5:13 says, I write these things to you who believe in the name of the

Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life (emphasis mine). This

does not mean we have to pass a comprehensive exam based on our knowledge of the

Bible, however on the Day of Judgment, we will stand before God and we must be

confident that we have obeyed His Word. This means we must study It, form our own

beliefs based on what we read in His Word, and follow It. Across from John 12:44-50 on

the index card write, We will be judged by the Word and on the next line of the index

card, write 2 Pe 1:3-4 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the

left of the last reader to read.




Jn 12:44-50 We will be judged by the Word.

2 Pe 1:3-4

2 Peter 1:3. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godlinessthrough our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4.Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so thatthrough them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption

in the world caused by evil desires.


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How has God given us everything we need for life and

Godliness? Verse four says that through His promises we can escape from our state of

corruption caused by evil desires and participate in the divine nature. John 3:16 states

that God loved us so much that He gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should

not perish but have eternal life. God has provided us with the way of salvation.

What has God not provided for us spiritually? Nothing, we understand from

these verses that God has provided ALL we need in order to be holy and have eternal life.

Across from 2 Peter 1:3-4 on the index card write, We have all we need for life and

godliness and on the next line of the index card, write Jn 20:30-31 on the far left side

as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to read.





2 Pe 1:3-4 We have all we need for life and godliness.

Jn 20:30-31

What is your favorite miracle that Christ performed? The

gospels are filled with accounts of Jesus doing many miraculous things; from casting out

demons to healing the sick, the blind, the lame, and even raising people from the dead.

What does this passage say about how many miracles Christ

performed? It says that Jesus did many that werent even recorded in this gospel. Later

on, in chapter twenty one, verse twenty five of John, we read: Jesus did many other

things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole

world would not have room for the books that would be written. How amazing is it that

John 20:30-31. Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples,which are not recorded in this book. 31. But these are written that you may believe

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life inHis name.


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Jesus did so many miracles that the world could not contain the pages it would take to

write all of them down? Now, of course, this is poetic hyperbole (exaggeration for

effect), but the author is trying to get across the vast number of miraculous things that

Jesus did during His ministry. Okay, now lets turn our attention back to chapter twenty.

If there are so many more miraculous events from Christs life, people might ask why

John didnt write them down. Why did John only choose to include

the select miraculous events he wrote about in his gospel? They were enough for us to

believe in Jesus and have life. Across from John 20:30-31 on the index card write, We

have enough to believe and have life and on the next line of the index card, write 2 Pe

1:20-21 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last

reader to read.






Jn 20:30-31 We have enough to believe and have life.

2 Pe 1:20-21

Where does this text say that Scripture comes from?

Prophecy has always come from God, as men were moved to speak and write by the Holy

Spirit. This does not mean that the authors style is removed, but that he was unable to

change the message that was being written through him. If men did

not have the authority to change Gods Word, as it was being written in the past; what

does that tell us about those of us who read His Word today? We do not have the

authority to change His Word today to fit our wants or desires. 2 Timothy 3:16 states,

2 Peter 1:20. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture cameabout by the prophet's own interpretation. 21. For prophecy never had its origin inthe will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the HolySpirit.


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All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and

training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every

good work. Scripture comes from God and therefore we must respect and obey it.

Across from 2 Peter 1:20-21 on the index card write, Scripture is from God and not

man and on the next line of the index card, write Gal 1:6-9 on the far left side as

illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to read.




Jn 12:44-50 We will be judged by the Word.2 Pe 1:3-4 We have all we need for life and godliness.


2 Pe 1:20-21 Scripture is from God and not man.

Gal 1:6-9

Do you know what the word gospel means? The word

gospel means good news and refers to the message of salvation that is offered freely to

all, through Jesus Christ. Apparently, some Christians in Galatia were turning from this

gospel or changing the good news of Christ in some way. Paul basically says it is

impossible to turn from the gospel to another gospel because there is no good newsonce you leave your relationship with Jesus Christ. What warning did

Paul give concerning turning to a different gospel? He says that those who do so will be

eternally condemned. He even goes so far as to say, even if an angel comes and preaches

to you a different gospel, dont listen to him. Allow him to be eternally condemned and

Galatians 1:6. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One whocalled you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel7. which is

really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion andare trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8. But even if we or an angel from

Heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him beeternally condemned! 9. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is

preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternallycondemned!


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you hold fast to the gospel. Who then has the power or authority to

change the gospel? No one! No one can change the gospel; because once you do, it

ceases to be the gospel (good news). Across from Galatians 1:6-9 on the index card

write, No one can change the gospel and on the next line of the index card, write Rev


reader to read.







Gal 1:6-9 No one can change the gospel.

Rev 22:18-19

This passage has a very strong message. Now, it is important to point out that this

passage is referring to the book of Revelation and not to the Bible as a whole; however, I

believe its message is true for the Bible as a whole, which will be shown later.

What does this passage of Scripture say not to do? It says not to add to or take

away from prophecy. Can you give me an example of how someone

may add to the Bible? One example of how someone could add to the Bible is to say that

it is not adequate for salvation by itself. They could claim that you may need some

additional source to accompany it or you must follow a specific list of rules or creeds in

addition to what the Bible teaches. Give me an example of how

someone may take away from the Bible? One example of this is for someone to say that

Revelation 22:18. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of thisbook: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues describedin this book. 19. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God

will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which aredescribed in this book.


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something taught is Scripture is not necessary. For instance in Acts 3:19 we read

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of

refreshing may come from the Lord. If someone taught that repentance was not

necessary for salvation then they would be taking away from what Scripture teaches.

Why would it be wrong to add to or take away from prophecy? Earlier we

spoke about how prophecy is from God and not man; it is God-breathed. Therefore, it

is wrong to change it by either adding to it or taking away from its teachings. This

passage in Revelation, as said earlier, is specifically referring to the book of Revelation.

It would be wrong to add to or take away from it BECAUSE it is from God. Therefore,

this Scripture can be applied to the Bible as a whole; because the Bible is from God, we

cannot change it by adding to it or taking away from it. Across from Revelation 22:18-19

on the index card write, Do not add to or take away from the Bible and on the next line

of the index card, write Mt 15:3-9 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the

person to the left of the last reader to read.








Rev 22:18-19 Do not add to or take away from the Bible.

Mt 15:3-9


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This passage may be a little difficult to understand unless you know its context.

People could make a vow to leave their money to the temple when they die. However,

while alive, they had the ability to use these funds as they pleased. Some were misusing

this practice by telling their parents that their money was donated to God (through the

temple), and therefore they were no longerbound by Gods law to assist them, since their

money was pledged to God instead. Jesus said that God commanded us to honor your

father and mother, but these people were using their tradition (or accepted practice) of

claiming that their giving to the temple excluded them from having to honor their father

and mother by supporting them in their time of need. We cannot violate Gods will

simply because other people are doing the same thing or society approves of our actions.

We are to form ourselves after Gods Word and not form Gods Word around our

lives. How might someone form Gods Word around their life? For

example, lets say that someone wants to sleep late on Sundays and sit around the house

and rest all day. So, even though we read in Hebrews 10:25, Let us not give up meeting

together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one anotherand all the

more as you see the Day approaching, they stay home, saying that it is not important to

gather to study and worship with other Christians as long as you are living a goodlifestyle. In doing this, they are placing their tradition or their desired (even accepted)

lifestyle over the teachings of Scripture. As Christians, we must always place Scripture

over our wants or traditions. Across from Matthew 15:3-9 on the index card write,

Scripture is over tradition as illustrated below.

Matthew 15:3. Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the

sake of your tradition? 4. For God said, `Honor your father and mother' and

`Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 5. But you say

that if a man says to his father or mother, `Whatever help you might otherwise

have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6. he is not to `honor his father'

with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7. You

hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8. These people honor

Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me. 9. They worship Me in vain;

their teachings are but rules taught by men.


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Eph 1:18-23 Jesus is over everything for the church.Jn 12:44-50 We will be judged by the Word.





Rev 22:18-19 Do not add to or take away from the Bible.

Mt 15:3-9 Scripture is over tradition.

This completes the first lesson. Before you end with a prayer, remember to ask ifthe person you are studying with has any questions on the topic of Biblical authority.

Then summarize what was learned from the Scriptures you read together. As you

summarize this lesson, point to the line of the card that contains the information you are

talking about. In Matthew 17:1-5, we learned that above everyone else we must listen to

Jesus. In Matthew 28:18 and Ephesians 1:18-23, we discovered that Jesus has authority

over everything, especially things pertaining to the church. In John 12:44-50, we learned

that we will be judged by the Word; therefore, we need to know what it says and follow

it. We also saw in 2 Peter 1:3-4 and John 20:30-31 that we have everything we need in

order to believe and have life and godliness. In 2 Peter 1:20-21 and Galatians 1:6-9, we

talked about how Scripture is from God and not man. We discussed how the writers

could not change the meaning of Scripture as it was being written, therefore we cannot

change it today as we read it. In fact, changing the gospel causes it to no longer be the

message of good news. In Revelation 22:18-19, we continued this discussion by saying

that we cannot change Scripture by either adding to it or taking away from it. Finally, in

Matthew 15:3-9, we learned that we cannot change Gods Word to fit around our

traditions or preferences, but we shape our lives around His Word. So, we see that Jesus

has authority over the church and God has also placed His authority in the inspired Word

of God. In the next lesson we will discuss sin and its effect on us. Remember to end this

session with a prayer.


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Lesson 2Sin & Its Effect on Us

It is important to begin each week with a review of what you have learned so farin your study together. Turn to the Reference section of the book that contains the lesson

summaries on page ninety-one and review lesson one. Todays lesson is on sin and its

effect on us. In this lesson, we will be discussing what sin is, and what effect it has on

our relationship with God. On the first line of the index card write the number 2. and

Sin & Its Effect on Us as illustrated below and on the next line of the index card, write

Ge 1:26-27 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person you are

studying with to read this passage.

2. Sin & Its Effect on UsGe 1:26-27

In this passage we read about God creating man. What standsout to you, in this passage, concerning how we were made? In these verses we read that

God created us in His image. What does it mean to be created in the

image of God? You may get many different answers to this question. Many people

might say that we look like Him in some way. While there may be a chance that our

appearance resembles that of God, it is more likely that this passage is referring to

something else. What separates us from all other animals that God

made? Again, you may get many different answers to this question, including our

intelligence, appearance, etc. In John 4:24, we read, God is spirit, and His worshippers

must worship in spirit and in truth. From this passage we can see that God is a spiritual

being. There are also many scriptures that refer to the soul or spirit of a man (select a few

from the ones below to share). Proverbs 20:27 states, The lamp of the Lord searches the

Genesis 1:26-27. Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, inOur likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, overthe livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the

ground." 27. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God Hecreated him; male and female He created them.


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spirit of a man; it searches out His inmost being. In Matthew 16:26, we see the

importance of the soul; What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet

forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? In Matthew 10:28,

the soul is distinguished from our fleshly bodies and is shown as more important; Do

not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of

the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (capitalization mine). Other

passages teach that our soul longs to be with God. Psalm 42:2, My soul thirsts for God,

for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? We see this again in Psalm

84:2, My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry

out for the living God. Now, lets turn our attention backto our main passage in

Genesis chapter one. In this passage we see that we were created in the image of God.

Most likely, this is a reference to us being created as spiritual beings, not just flesh and

blood. In this way, we stand out from all of Gods other creations. This continues to be

true today. Psalm 139:13 states, For You created my inmost being; You knit me

together in my mothers womb (capitalization mine). God creates us as not only

physical beings, but spiritual beings as well, and our spiritual selves can never be

satisfied unless we have a relationship with God. Across from Genesis 1:26-27 on the

index card write, God made us in His image and on the next line of the index card,

write Ge3:8 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of

the last reader to read.

2. Sin & Its Effect on UsGe 1:26-27 God made us in His image.

Ge 3:8

In a moment, we are going to read verses one through seven and discuss what

would have caused Adam and Eve to hide from God; but before we do that, there is

something of great importance, in verse eight, that we need to discuss. In verse eight, we

Genesis 3:8. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as He

was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD

God among the trees of the garden.


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and on the next line of the index card, write Jas 1:13-15 on the far left side as


2. Sin & Its Effect on Us

Ge 1:26-27 God made us in His image.Ge 3:8 God had a relationship with man.

Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned

Jas 1:13-15

In this passage we see the process of sin. Where does this

passage say the process of sin starts? We see that God does not tempt us, but sin comes

from our evil desires. Galatians 5:16-17 says, So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will

not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary

to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with

each other, so that you do not do what you want. As we discussed earlier, we are

spiritual beings, but we are also physical beings. These two sides (flesh and spirit) will

often fight against one another. 1 Peter 2:11 says,Dear friends, I urge you as aliens

and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your sou.

Satan will often use our fleshly desires against us, by tempting us to do evil. In Matthew

4:3, we read that the tempter came to Jesus. This is in the context of Satan tempting

Jesus in the desert. We know the tempter is the Devil, because later in verse 5 it refers to

him as the Devil. Temptation, in and of itself, is not wrong. We have already

established that Satan tempted Jesus. To have a desire or temptation to do evil is not sin.

As we continue to verse fourteen and fifteen in James, chapter one, we see that when weare enticed by these sinful desires to the point that we obey them or act upon them, this

gives birth to sin. According to this passage, then, sin is ultimately,

what? It starts off as a desire to do something evil. However, sin does not occur until we

choose to act on that temptation. Remember, the temptation, itself, was not sin.

James 1:13-15. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For Godcannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14. but each one is temptedwhen, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15. Then, after desire

has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.


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Therefore when tempted we have a CHOICE. Sin is a choice; a choice to disobey God.

Adam and Eve were tempted to eat of the fruit, but they had the ability to choose to not

eat it. By choosing to eat the fruit, they sinned. Across from James 1:13-15 on the index

card write, Sin is a choice and on the next line of the index card, write Ro 3:23-24

on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to

read.


Ge 3:8 God had a relationship with man.

Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned

Jas 1:13-15 Sin is a choice

Ro 3:23-24

It is easy to say, So what? What does Adam sin have to do with me?

According to this passage, who sins? Everyone makes mistakes; everyone

sins. There is only one type of person who has no sin. Do you know

who that is? They may say Jesus. Yes, Jesus had no sin, but that is not the type of

person we are looking for, since He is the only one to be God and man. They may also

answer that those whose sins are forgiven have no sin. That is true, so there are two

types, then; what is the other? Children have no sin. Remember, we said that sin is a

choice. It is a decision to follow an evil desire. Take an infant for example, do they

know what it means to sin? Do they make choices to follow evil desires? Of course not!

At this point if the person you are studying with agrees that children are not

born into sin, but eventually we all choose sin as we grow older, then you can move tothe next main scripture by skipping to the green section. If they have questions about this

or believe in original sin, continue by studying the following scriptures together. In

Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little

children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. In this passage, we are told to

Romans 3:23-24. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24. and are

justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.


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become like children. If children were filled with sin, Jesus would not make this plea. It

is true that Adams sin allowed sin to enter the world, and for sin to come to all; since we

all end up choosing sin at some point in our life. However, we do not inherit his specific

sin or the sins of our grandparents or parents. The entire eighteenth chapter of Ezekiel is

devoted to this point. Ezekiel 18:4 says, For every living soul belongs to Me, the father

as well as the sonboth alike belong to Me. The soul who sins is the one who will die

(capitalization mine). Then, verses five through thirteen describe a father who is

righteous and does not follow idols, or defile his neighbors wife, oppress anyone, rob

anyone, but provides others with help in time of need. This man has a son who does all

these evil acts. Verse thirteen speaks about this son, saying: Will such a man live? He

will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death

and his blood will be on his own head. Continuing, in verses fourteen through

seventeen, if this evil son has a son of his own who does not do these evil things that

filled his fathers life, verse seventeen states, He will not die for his fathers sin; he will

surely live. To summarize this, verses nineteen through twenty-one say, Yet you ask,

why does the son not share the guilt of His father? Since the son has done what is just

and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The soul who

sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the

father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited

to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. This is about as

clear as a passage could be. THE SOUL who sins is THE ONE who will die. The son

WILL NOT share the guilt of the father, NOR will the father share the guilt of the son. It

is true that when David was overwhelmed with sorrow because of his sin with Bathsheba,

including the murder of Uriah, he made the statement Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful

from the time my mother conceived me in Psalm 51:5. However, this is a poetic

statement concerning the overwhelming feeling of guilt that filled his life because of his

sin. In a similar fashion, Job made a statement that gives the opposite message in Job

3:11-13, when he said Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?

Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed? For now I would

be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest. In this passage, Job is


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overwhelmed by sorrow and wishes he would have died at birth because then he would

be at peace. If children were born into sin, then he could not have this wish. Both of

these passages are poetic, and speak more to the individuals emotions at the specific

time in their life; whereas, the previous passages we read and discussed clearly state that

sin is a choice to do evil and not something we inherit from our parents, or anyone else.

However, as stated above, if we live to grow out of childhood, we all eventually choose

to sin as we read in Romans 3:23. Across from Romans 3:23 on the index card write,

Everyone sins.



Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned


Ro 3:23-24 Everyone sins.

Now that we have come to the conclusion that everyone sins (not including young

children), we must ask ourselves, what are the results or consequences of our sin? The

next three passages we will look at deal with the results of our sin. In the center of the

next line on the index card write the heading, The Results of Sin and on the next line of

the index card, write Ro 6:23 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the

person to the left of the last reader to read.



Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned



The Results of Sin

Ro 6:23


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According to this passage what is the wage of sin? Theyshould be able to see from this passage that it is death. This verse uses the term wages.

What is a wage? It is interesting how many people dont

automatically know the meaning of this term; so dont be surprised if the person you are

studying with is unfamiliar with it. If the person is not sure, use the following question.

If they understand it well, skip to the next question concerning Romans 6:23.

What does minimum wage refer to? Minimum wage is the lowest legal

amount you are allowed to pay an employee. So if you take away minimum from the

phrase, a wage is the payment received for work done. For example, if I agree to pay you

$20 to wash my car, what do you expect when you finish washing my car? You expect to

get paid $20. You have earned this payment because of your actions. So, a wage has to

do with a payment that is deserved on the basis of a work or action.

What is the work done in Romans 6:23? The work or action that took place was sin.

And what is the wage of this action? Death is the wage of sin. By doing

the action of sin, we deserve or have earned the payment of death. If you add this

information to what we learned in Romans 3:23, you discover that everyone has sinned

and therefore we all have earned and deserve the punishment of death. If the wages of

sin is death, Why arent we all dead? Even in the garden, Adam and

Eve told the serpent that God warned them that if they disobeyed Him, they would surely

die. It may be possible that God would have allowed Adam and Eve to live forever in the

garden without death if they did not disobey Him, but there is another type of death other

than a physical death. We have already concluded that we were created in the image of

God and are therefore not only physical beings, but spiritual beings as well. God warnedus to fear the one who could not only kill the body, but the one who had the power to kill

the soul as well. How were Adam and Eve punished in response to

their sin? They may mention Eves pain in childbirth and the difficulty in working the

ground for Adam, but along with this they were both banished from the garden, and we

Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in

Christ Jesus our Lord.


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no longer read of God walking alongside them again. They were separated from God and

this was the greatest punishment they received. Likewise, when we sin, we die a spiritual

death. We will explore this more in the next passage; but for now, we understand from

Romans 6:23 that the wage of sin is death. Across from Romans 6:23 on the index card

write, The wage of sin is death and on the next line of the index card, write Isa 59:1-

2 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader

to read.



Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned



The Results of Sin

Ro 6:23 The wage of sin is death.

Isa 59:1-2

According to this passage, what have your iniquities (another

word for sin) done to you? The clear answer is that our sins separated us from God. God

is holy; throughout the Bible we can read of Gods holiness. In Psalm 99:9, we read,

Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is

holy. In Habakkuk 1:13, we read, Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot

tolerate wrong (capitalization mine). Because God is perfect and holy, He cannot

dwell in the presence of sin. Therefore, when we sin we can no longer have a

relationship with God. In Romans 6:23, we learned that the wage of sin is death. We see

in this passage, how this takes place: our sin separates us from God, who is our spiritual

source of life, resulting in our spiritual death. Across from Isaiah 59:1-2 on the index

card write, Sin separates us from God and on the next line of the index card, write Jn

Isaiah 59:1-2. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dullto hear. 2. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have

hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.


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reader to read.

2. Sin & Its Effect on Us

Ge1:26-27 God made us in His image.Ge 3:8 God had a relationship with man.

Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned


Ro 3:23 Everyone sins.

The Results of Sin

Ro 6:23-24 The wage of sin is death.

Isa 59:1-2 Sin separates us from God.

Jn 8:34-36

What is the result of sin, according to this passage? Sin

enslaves us. What does it mean to be a slave? You may get many

answers, ranging from: to work for someone, or forced labor, etc.

What is the difference between a slave and an employee? An employee has rights and

choices. An employee gets to clock out or leave work. He is paid. An employee can

make requests and sometimes even demands. Ultimately, an employee can choose to quit

his job. A slave has no rights. A slave is a piece of property. If you owned me as a

slave, it would be the same as owning a car or a piece of furniture. You would have

complete control over me and be able to treat me how you wish. If you want to take good

care of your car, but beat your slave, you have the right to do that, because I am yourproperty. Therefore, to be a slave is to be owned by someone or something. To be a

slave to sin means that sin owns us; we are its property. Many times we lie to ourselves

and we convince ourselves that we can control sin. We say: I am going to sin, but Im

in control. Ill just do it for a little while; I can quit at any time. We act as if sin is our

John 8:34-36. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

35. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it

forever. 36. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.


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slave, and we are in control. However, it is sin that controls us. You have most likely

experienced how making one bad choice or committing one small sin led to many other

bad choices and you might have found yourself doing things you never thought you

would. Sin controls us. It takes over our lives; it makes us its slave. Across from John

8:34-36 on the index card write, Sin makes us its slave as illustrated below.



Ge 3:1-7 Man sinned


Ro 3:23 Everyone sins.

The Results of Sin

Ro 6:23-24 The wage of sin is death.

Isa 59:1-2 Sin separates us from God.

Jn 8:34-36 Sin makes us its slave.

As you summarize this lesson, point to the line of the card that contains the

information you are talking about. The first step to solving any problem is usually to

admit and understand that you have one. In this lesson we discovered that we are all

created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We are spiritual beings who have a need

to be in fellowship with our creator. Like Adam and Eve, we are born having a

relationship with God (Genesis 3:8). However like Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-7), at

some point, we sin by choosing to act on our sinful desires (James 1:13-15). Everyone

eventually makes the choice to disobey God and sin enters their life (Romans 3:23).

What were the results of sin we discussed? Because of our sin, we

deserve the payment of death (Romans 6:23-24), are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2),

and are slaves to sin (John 8:34-36). Many times we think that we control our sin, but inactuality sin controls us. So, everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. In the

next lesson we will look at the first steps that God took to bring about our salvation.

Remember to end this session with a prayer.


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Lesson 3The Promise

It is important to begin each week with a review of what you have learned so far

in your study together. Turn to the Reference section of the book that contains the lesson

summaries on page ninety-one and review lessons one and two. Now that we know that

everyone sins and that this results in our spiritual death, separation from God, and slavery

to sin, we will begin to look at what God did to bring about our salvation.

What was the first thing that God did to bring about our salvation? When

asked this, most people will say that God sent Jesus to be crucified for our sin. Jesus was

the ultimate solution to our sin problem. However, He did not come for thousands of

years after Adams sin. You can demonstrate this by showing the page of the Bible thatrecords the sin of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3 and compare it to the first page that

speaks of the actual birth of Christ in Matthew chapter one. You can hold the many

pages that are between Genesis and Matthew with your fingers and

What was happening during all of this time between Genesis and Matthew? In todays

lesson, we will look at the first steps that God took to bring about our salvation. We will

discover how God worked throughout the Old Testament to bring about salvation that

came through Jesus Christ. This is the third card and it is entitled The Promise. On the

first line of the index card write the number 3. and The Promise as illustrated below

and on the next line of the index card, write Ge 12:1-3,7 on the far left side as

illustrated below and ask the person you are studying with to read this passage.

3. The PromiseGe 12:1-3,7

Genesis 12:1-3,7. The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people andyour father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2. "I will make you into

a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be ablessing. 3. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; andall peoples on earth will be blessed through you" 7. The Lord appeared to Abramand said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the

Lord, who had appeared to him.


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This is a very important Old Testament passage. God blesses Abram (whose

name was later changed to Abraham) and made promises to him. Most scholars point out

three main promises that God made Abram. Can you pick out these

three promises? The first one is usually referred to as the land promise. God promises

to provide Abram with a new land for his descendants. We can see the fulfillment of this

when the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River and entered Canaan in Joshua 3. The

second promise is usually referred to as the nation promise. This was a very special

promise because Abram was very old and did not have any children, yet God was going

to bring about a great nation through Abrams descendants. The last promise is a little

more difficult for many people to see and yet it is the most important one. In verse 3, it

says And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. God promises to do

something through Abram that would bless all nations or all people. Gods promise to

make Abram into a great nation was a wonderful message of hope to a man who was very

old and without any children. Gods promise to give him land was meaningful to Abram

and his descendants; but this promise, usually referred to as the seed promise affects all

people. God promises to bless all nations. In this lesson we will discuss the meaning and

importance of this great promise. Across from Genesis 12:1-3,7 on the index card write,

God promises to bless all nations and on the next line of the index card, write Ge


reader to read.

3. The PromiseGe 12:1-3,7 God promises to bless all nations.

Ge 22:15-19

Genesis 22:15-19. The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a secondtime 16. and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you havedone this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17. I will surely bless you

and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand onthe seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18.and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you haveobeyed me." 19. Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off togetherfor Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.


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In this passage, God reconfirms the promise He made to Abram. Between this

passage and the previous one we read, Abram tried to take matters in his own hands.

Do you know what Abram did to try and help God fulfill His promise?

When he was 86 years old (Genesis 16:16), he slept with his wifes maidservant since his

wife had not yet born him a child. Hagar, the maidservant, conceived and bore him a son

named Ishmael. However, when Abram was 99 years old (Genesis 17:1), God appeared

to him, changing his name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), and confirming that Sarah would

give birth to a son, through whom God would bring about the promised great nation

(Genesis 17:19-22). Turning our focus back to this passage (Genesis 22:15-19), we

discover that it is not through Abraham directly that God will bless all nations.

Through whom does God say He will bless all nations through? God

promises to bless all nations through Abrahams offspring. It is important to note that the

term offspring here or seed in other translations is singular. God is not promising to

bless all nations through the collective offspring of Abraham or the nation of Israel, but

one descendant of Abrahams would bless all nations. In this passage, a Messiah is

promised. A descendant of Abrahams will come to bless all nations. Across from

Genesis 22:15-19 on the index card write, Abrahams SEED will fulfill the promise

and on the next line of the index card, write Gal 3:15-16 on the far left side as



Ge 22:15-19 Abrahams SEED will fulfill the promise.

Gal 3:15-16

Galatians 3:15-16. Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as noone can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so itis in this case. 16. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his Seed. The

Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to yourSeed," meaning one person, who is Christ.


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You might think that too much is being made of a simple promise. You could

ask: How do we know Genesis 12:3 and 22:18 refer to a Messiah or that they are

prophesying about Christ? This passage in Galatians is key. To

whom does this passage say the Promise referred to? This passage clearly states that the

promised Seed referred to Christ. It even points out that the Seed in the Promise is

singular and referred to one person, who is Christ. He is the Messiah.

Do you know what the term Messiah means? The term Messiah can be

defined as the anointed one or the promised redeemer. The coming of the Messiah is

rooted in the great promise to Abraham, that a descendant of his would come and bless

all nations. Twice in the gospel of John (1:40-42, 4:25-26), Jesus is shown to be this

promised Messiah. Therefore, this passage teaches that the Seed from the Promise

referred to Christ. Across from Galatians 3:15-16on the index card write, The SEED

referred to Christ and on the next line of the index card, write Gal 3:8-9 on the far

left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to read.



Gal 3:15-16 The SEED referred to Christ

Gal 3:8-9

In this passage, we read that the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the

Gentiles by faith. Who are the Gentiles? Gentiles are anyone who is

not Jewish or a descendant of Abraham. If you are not a Jew, then you are a Gentile. Inthe Old Testament, God separated the nation of Israel from all other nations, a nation set

apart for Him. However, God promised that a Messiah would come that would bless all

nations. According to this passage, what did the promise announce in

advance? It announced the gospel in advance. In our first lesson (page seventeen) we

Galatians 3:8-9. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith,and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessedthrough you." 9. So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the

man of faith.


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discussed what the term gospel means. Do you remember what this

term means? The term gospel means good news and refers to the message of salvation

that is offered freely to all, through Jesus Christ. The first step that God took in our

salvation was to make a promise; a promise that Christ would come and bless all nations.

This promise announced the gospel in advance. Across from Galatians 3:8-9 on the

index card write, It announced the gospel in advance and on the next line of the index

card, write Josh 23:14 on the far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to

the left of the last reader to read.




Gal 3:8-9 It announced the gospel in advance.

Josh 23:14

What makes a promise valuable? People might say that if it is

something you want, it is valuable. This is only partially true. If I

promise you a brand new car every day, but never give you so much as a bus pass, then

does my promise have any value? Of course not, it is not only what is promised that

determines the value of a promise, but also who is making the promise. The passage we

just read comes from Joshuas address to Israel before his death. Abrahams descendants

had become a great nation. God had led them out of slavery, through the wilderness, and

they had taken possession of the promised land. Joshua, before his death, reminds the

people of Gods faithfulness. He always fulfills His promises. This can be seen over and

over throughout the Bible; if God makes a promise, He always fulfills it. If God

promised to provide salvation to your family from a great flood, He provided it (Genesis

7:1-4). If God promised freedom from slavery, He provided it (Exodus 3:7-9). If God

promised victory in battle, He provided it (Joshua 1:3, Judges 7). This pattern is repeated

Joshua 23:14. Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with allyour heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave

you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.


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over and over again. If God makes a promise, then it is valuable, because God always

fulfills His promises. Across from Joshua 23:14 on the index card write, God always

fulfills His promises and on the next line of the index card, write Heb 10:23 on the

far left side as illustrated below and ask the person to the left of the last reader to read.





Josh 23:14 God always fulfills His promises.

Heb 10:23

According to this passage, why are we to hold unswervingly

to hope? We are to hold on to hope, because God is faithful in fulfilling His promises.

This New Testament passage is similar to the statement of Joshua in the Old Testament;

God fulfills His promises. What are some of the promises that God

has made to us? Philippians 4:19 states And my God will meet all your needs accordingto His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (capitalization mine). In this passage, God

promises to provide all of our needs through Christ. Notice He did not promise to

provide all of our wants or desires, but our needs. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, No

temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will

not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will

also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (capitalization mine).

What great promise does God make to us in this passage? God promises not

to allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and to provide a way of escape. In 1

Corinthians 15:56-57, we read: The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the

Law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

(capitalization mine). What other great promise does God make to us

Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who

promised is faithful.


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in this passage? God promises to provide victory over death through Jesus Christ. This

is in no way a complete list of all the promises that God has made to us, but we can see

that God has made great promises to us, just like He did to Abraham, Joshua, Moses, and

others throughout the Bible; and just like them we should hold on to hope, because God

is faithful in fulfilling His promises. Across from Hebrews 10:23 on the index card write,

Hold to hope because God is faithful and on the next line of the index card, write Ge


reader to read.





Josh 23:14 God always fulfills His promises.

Heb 10:23 Hold to hope, because God is faithful.

Ge 17:9-14

We see in this passage the institution of circumcision. Circumcision is a physical

practice that still occurs today in which a portion of skin from male children is removed.

Circumcision is discussed many times throughout the Old and New Testaments. You

may have wondered what the significance of this practice was, and why the Jews placed

so much value in it. According to this passage, what was the spiritual

Genesis 17:9-14. Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep Mycovenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10.

This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant youare to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11. You are to undergocircumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12. Forthe generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be

circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from aforeigner--those who are not your offspring. 13. Whether born in your household orbought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is tobe an everlasting covenant. 14. Any uncircumcised male, who has not been

circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken Mycovenant.


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purpose of circumcision? Many people may get caught up in the rules in this passage;

such as, who is to be circumcised and the consequences if this practice is not followed.

However, the spiritual purpose of circumcision is seen in verse 11, You are to undergo

circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Circumcision

is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (and Abrahams descendants).

God promised a Messiah would come from the descendants of Abraham and bless all

nations. To remind Israel of this promise, God instituted circumcision. In this way,

Gods promise was passed on to each new generation. Every father would circumcise his

male children as a sign and reminder of Gods great promise. It was also similar to a

stamp or seal. It signified that God made this covenant with Israel. For example, lets

say I was going to make a will. Turn your card over and make a pretend will on the back

(an example is pictured below, following this paragraph). Lets say in this will I will

pass on my ________ (fill in some possession of yours, possibly a game system,

instrument, phone, etc.) to my friend _____________ (any person you mutually know). I

will leave my _____________ (another possession) to _______________ (the name of

the person you are studying with). Finally I will leave _______________ (another

possession) to _________________ (If someone else is in the study, use their name; if

not, use anyone). Now, in order to make this a legal document, what

would I need? You may get many different answers, including that the person would

need to die. This would put the will into effect but something else makes it legal or valid.

It would need to be signed and notarized. The notarys seal would be a symbol of the

agreement or covenant I had made (draw a symbol to represent the notary, such as a

circle with a bird or stars in it).

how to study the gospel with someone - wesley thompson

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