Bible Study: How a Christian Makes a Right Decision (Student’s Guide)

Read the Following Passages

• Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf; and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
• John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
• Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
• Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
• Matthew 8:5-10 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority with soldiers under me. I tell this one ‘Go’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.'” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
• Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine bf~fore men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is it that makes all people unclean?

2. Apart from God, can a Christian make “right” decisions in life issues?

3. What does it mean to say oar sins sweep us away?

4. What is Jesus telling us in John 15:5?

5. What is the one criteria for being able to please God?

6. What is faith?

7. In what way do Christians display their faith in daily life?

8. What do these passages have to say about the unbeliever who is pro-life?

9. What is the goal of all faith-activity?

Bible Study: How a Christian Makes a Right Decision (Leader’s Guide)

Read the Following Passages

• Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf; and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
• John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
• Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
• Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
• Matthew 8:5-10 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him” The centurion replied “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority with soldiers under me. I tell this one ‘Go’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.'” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
• Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine bf~fore men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is it that makes all people unclean?
The guilt of sin that people carry.

2. Apart from God, can a Christian make “right” decisions in life issues?
No — even right decisions (righteous acts) are worthless before God.

3. What does it mean to say oar sins sweep us away?
They bring eternal separation from God in hell.

4. What is Jesus telling us in John 15:5?
As those saved by Christ we are part of him — we reflect him. A good passage to illustrate what this means is: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

5. What is the one criteria for being able to please God?
Only he who has faith ever pleases God.

6. What is faith?
Faith is that incredible ability we have to believe the unbelievable. That is why we acknowledge that faith is an activity of the Holy Spirit and not of man’s reasoning.

7. In what way do Christians display their faith in daily life?
Worship, helping others, etc.

8. What do these passages have to say about the unbeliever who is pro-life?
He does what some call “civic righteous.” He is kind and compassionate and displays other Christian virtues. But, because they are not from faith those good deeds are like “filthy rags.”

9. What is the goal of all faith-activity?
Matthew 5:16 reminds us that when we display love we are to be arrows pointing to God. In order for others to praise God they must first believe in him (no one praises God who does not believe in him). Therefore, simply put, the goal of all faith activity is to know and believe in God as the Savior. The desire to do good is an outgrowth of that faith.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us for failing to always act in faith. Forgive us for failing to always properly reflect your love. Instill in us all a clear knowledge and appreciation of the sacrifice you made to give us life forever in Jesus Christ. Guide the discussions and decisions we make in this meeting. Use them to provide opportunities for others to show their faith, to lead others to faith and to protect human life. We ask this in our Savior’s name. Amen.