Lesson 2 in the Personal Bible Study Series
Helpful Hints
This lesson is simple, basic, non-controversial, and concisely sums up the fundamental truth of the gospel.
You may want to begin the study by asking, “Are you familiar with the word ‘gospel’ and what it actually means?” If there is uncertainty, then share the information in the “Introduction.”
This lesson concludes with an emphasis on obedience, which is picked up again in lesson 3.
Lesson 2: The Gospel Overview (PDF version)
Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath.
For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.
INTRODUCTION
The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” But in order to have good news, there must be bad news. In this lesson we will compare the bad news with the good news of the gospel.
BAD NEWS
1. Psalm 5:4-5
What is God’s attitude toward sin?
2. Isaiah 59:1-2
How does sin affect a person’s relationship with God?
3. Romans 3:10, 23
How many have sinned?
How many lies have you told?
What do you call a person who tells lies?
Have you ever stolen anything?
What do you call a person who steals?
Have you ever looked at a person with lust?
What do you call someone who has looked at a person with lust? (see Matthew 5:28)
How has your sin affected your relationship with God? (see 1Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8; 22:15)
GOOD NEWS
4. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
What is the good news about this statement?
5. John 3:16-17
What has God done to save you?
6. Romans 5:6-8
What has Jesus done to save you from your sins?
How does that make you feel?
7. John 14:6
Can anyone other than Jesus reconcile you to God?
BAD NEWS
8. Matthew 7:13-14, 21
Will everyone be saved?
Will most people be saved?
Is it enough to simply call Jesus “Lord”?
9. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9
What will happen to those who do not obey the gospel?
GOOD NEWS
10. Romans 6:16-18
Is it possible to be set free from sin?
What must one do to be set free from sin?
Is that what you want to do?
11. Hebrews 5:8-9
Jesus is the Saviour of whom?
Do you want Jesus to save you?
12. Matthew 28:18-20
How much of Jesus’ teachings must we obey?
Are you willing to do all that Jesus commands?
CONCLUSION
A. Why is your sin “bad news”?
B. What is the “good news”?
C. What must you do to be freed from your sins and be saved through Jesus?
Additional Scripture References
1. Psalm 11:5; Prov. 6:16-19; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Rev. 2:6, 15
2. Psalm 94:20; Jeremiah 5:25; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 1:6
3. Gal. 3:22; 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9; Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11
4. Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11-12
5. John 17:1-8; 1 Cor. 1:29-31; Titus 3:3-7; 1 John 4:9-10
6. Isa. 53:3-9; Mark 15:1-39; John 15:13; Phil. 2:5-8; 1 John 2:1-2
7. Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Cor. 1:30; 3:10-11; 1 John 2:1-2
8. Matthew 7:21-23; 22:1-8; 25:41; Luke 6:46; Rev. 20:15
9. Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 4:17; Rev. 20:12-15
10. Luke 8:15; John 8:31-36; Romans 10:16-17; James 2:17-26
11. Matthew 7:21-27; 12:50; James 1:21-25; 1 John 2:3-5
12. John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:10, 14 Acts 3:22-23
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).