Got Proof #4

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Got Proof #4 Am I not good enough? David Staff Part of Connect Group Ques tions May 6, 2018

GOD, isn’t it about decency, sincerity? Why the Gospel? This week’s teaching addressed the oft-raised objection to Christianity; namely that only those who specifically trust in Christ (and not in themselves) will be welcomed into heaven when eternity commences. What about truly decent people who believe something else, or nothing at all? Isn’t God actually more concerned about whether or not someone tries to live his/her best, and treat others fairly? Is believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection actually necessary?

GETTING STARTED What about you (and the others in your group)? Discuss your view of whether or not people who “try to live a good life” but “don’t/won’t believe in Jesus” actually go to heaven? Do you believe such individuals will spend eternity in heaven? What’s the basis of your view? Do you believe such individuals, though “good” at some level, will spend eternity in hell? What’s the basis for your view? What makes this a difficult issue to discuss?

IN THE WORD This week’s teaching quoted C.S. Lewis (Oxford scholar, former atheist) who noted, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” What do you think he meant by that? Western culture and thinking–less and less Biblical in orientation–has lost its respect, awe, and fear of the holiness and righteousness of

God. We more readily believe in a “heaven” and less readily in “hell.” Our view of God is low, and our view of ourselves is high. In order to recalibrate our thinking about God’s righteousness, read together and then discuss the following passages. 1st - Mark 10:17-22 Who is truly “good”? What is surprising about Jesus’ statement in Mark 10:18? What do you think Jesus meant by “good”? Though claiming to have kept all the commandments “from his youth,” what was wrong with this man’s life? Do you think he is in “heaven” today? Why or why not? (cf. read 10:23-27) 2nd – Luke 18:9-14 Who deserves to be justified? Why did the Pharisee think himself “better” than the tax collector? (what do we know about tax-collectors?) Though claiming to fast and give generously, what was wrong with the Pharisee’s life and outlook? Which of these two are in “heaven” today? Why? What does this parable teach those who think they can earn their way in? 3rd – Romans 3:21-27 (if possible, read in a modern translation like the LIVING BIBLE) What happens to any personal boasting? Someone look up the word “propitiation.” What does it mean (vs.25)? How did God both “show his righteousness” and “justify” sinners at the same time? How does that “justifying” come to someone? When is it applied to a person’s life? In God’s view, does anyone deserve to boast about being “better” than another? Why or why not?

MY LIFE – OUR MISSION As we prayerfully seek to help “connect people to life-defining relationships in Christ,” we believers must be clear on how someone can stand justified and accepted by God. As we invite people across the welcome mat toward Jesus, we should be able to explain this simply, clearly. To finish, read John 14:1-6 together. Jesus claimed to be “the way,

the truth, and the life,” the way to come to the Father. THINKING CAP one more time – Despite how good someone may think he/she is, what must someone believe to successfully make his/her way to God? Finish your time together by praying for someone you’d like to share this truth! “Let the Spirit flow through you” here…ask God’s Spirt to open that door.