Love as a Way of Life

Study Series: What a Savior!

By: W. A. Criswell

Lesson Title: The Universal Condemnation (pp. 6-15)

March 5, 2017Session 01

The main point of this lesson is: Every individual is condemned before God and incapable of salvation apart from Gods merciful action.

Focus on this goal: To help adults acknowledge their personal sinfulness.

Key Bible Passage: Romans 3:10-12

Before the Session

Write What a ____________! on a large writing surface Step 1). Obtain a hand mirror (Step 2).

To the Leader

Contact adults who are not involved in a small group Bible study, give them a copy of this edition of MasterWork, and invite them to join you as the group begins this study of What a Savior! by W. A. Criswell.

During the Session

Step 1. Lead-in

Draw attention to the statement on the writing surface.

Invite volunteers to state words they might insert in the blank (examples: What a day! Blessing! Sight! Mess! Life! Dump!)

Consider what we usually mean with these exclamations (something is extraordinary).

Consider what W. A. Criswell means with the title for this study, What a Savior!

Declare: Before we can fully appreciate what an extraordinary Savior Jesus is, we must comprehend what extraordinary sinners we are.

Step 2. Day 1 Fallen Human Nature, Part 1

Invite responses to Day One, activity 1 (p. 6). The gospel is the good news of wholeness and healing that comes from a right relationship with God. This salvation is for everyone and not achieved by human effort but by faith (Rom. 1:17). Paul went on to explain why all people need the gospel. He started with the Gentiles.

Read all or portions of Romans 1:18-32.

Ask:

1. What does our human nature want to do when we read this?

2. How did Paul turn the table on religious people in Romans 2:1?

Hold up the hand mirror and declare when we judge others we think were looking out the window at depraved, sinful people and feel justified in our condemnation. But really, were looking in the mirror and judging ourselves.

Invite a volunteer to read the last paragraph in Day One (p. 7).

Consider how its possible we are guilty of the same sins we condemn in others. (We might not commit the same sins but reveal by our critical attitudes that we are not meeting Gods standards.)

Draw attention to Day One, activity 2 (p. 7) and analyze how we reveal gratitude or contempt for Gods kindness with our attitudes toward others.

Step 3. Day 2 Fallen Human Nature, Part 2

State Dr. Criswell gave an example of one who displayed great contempt for Gods kindness.

Relay the Day Two illustration of Bennie and the deacon (p. 8).

Invite responses to Day Two, activity 1 (p. 8).

Discuss: How do religious people who dont acknowledge their sinfulness blaspheme Gods name among unbelievers?

Guide the group to consider how, in the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother was more of a prodigal than the younger one.

Invite someone to read the quote in the margin of Day Two (p. 9).

Request adults point a finger at someone else and remind them of the saying, Anytime you point a finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at you.

Invite someone to read Pauls summation of his discussion of the total depravity of Gentiles and Jews in Romans 3:9-12.

Declare: If we want to avoid being like the mean deacon or older brother, we must realize we are not better; we, too, are broken and in desperate need of a Savior.

Step 4. Day 3 Human Attempts Toward Salvation and Justification, Part 1

Evaluate different ways people respond to the truth that they are sinners.

Determine ways people try to earn their salvation and why none of those ways work.

Draw attention to the quote in the margin of Day Three (p. 11).

Invite someone to read Ephesians 2:8-9.

Complete Day Three, activity 1 (p. 11).

Step 5. Day 4 Human Attempts Toward Salvation and Justification, Part 2

Request adults identify Gods response to Adams sin.

Analyze how all the earth was broken when Adam fell.

Consider why God shows such wrath against sin.

Emphasize Gods holiness demands judgment against sin.

Read Romans 1:17-18 and guide the class to discuss this statement: If God didnt reveal His wrath against sin, then His righteousness could be questioned.

Declare Gods wrath against sin isnt the end of the story.

Discuss Day Four, activity 2 (p. 13).

Step 6. Day 5 Human Attempts Toward Salvation and Justification, Part 3

Invite responses to Day Five, activity 1 (p. 14).

Read Hebrews9:1622 and explain that just as a person cannot benefit from a will unless there is a death, so Gods covenant promises could not be fulfilled without a death. Our sin is so great that the only blood powerful and valuable enough to propitiate (appease Gods wrath) and atone (remove the effects of sin and reconcile God and humanity) for the complete depravity of fallen humanity is the blood of Gods Son, Jesus Christ.

Ask: Why is it so extraordinary that Jesus would shed His blood for us?

Read Romans5:610.

Step 7. Make It Practical

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Invite volunteers to share how they would fill in the blank of the statement What a ________! to describe themselves.

Determine what it takes to be able to say of oneself, What a sinner, saved by grace!

Read the last paragraph of Day Five, beginning Abraham trusted (p.15).

Urge adults who want to trust in Jesus for salvation to speak with you after the session.

Close in prayer.