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L. UNDERSTANDING THE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE

L.5 I know how my good deeds will affect my future with God. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5

What are your feelings about the good things you have done in your life?

What is your legacy?

A Story

“I think my good deeds will outweigh my bad deeds, “ was what one of the students on the campus explained after asking what was going to be their reason and confidence for making it to heaven. He was asked how he came to that conclusion. He commented, “It just feels right. That is the way it should be.“ The offer was made to go over some verses in the Bible to clarify what was taught by Jesus and the early followers of Jesus.

Digging Into The Bible

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Discussion & Discovery

  1. How do you get this gift?
  1. What do you think when you hear God wants to give you a gift?
  1. Where do works fit into our lives?
  1. What happens in your heart when you know that you can’t be saved by work?
  1. How do you feel about the gift?
  1. What will you do to receive this gift?

Application & Accountability

  1. How do you get this gift?
  1. What do you think when you hear God wants to give you a gift?
  1. How can you receive that gift for you?
  1. What does it mean, and how does it apply to you when it says, “in Christ Jesus our Lord?
  1. When should you take steps to receive this gift?
  1. What will happen to you when you do that?

Digging Into The Bible (Part 2)

Titus 3:5-6

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Discussion & Discovery (Part 2)

  1. What does this verse say about how we are saved?
  1. What is it we are saved from?
  1. What is the washing of rebirth?
  1. How do you understand the generous nature of God?
  1. What are the works being described here?
  1. What would cause us to boast?

Application & Accountability (Part 2)

  1. How can you understand and feel his mercy?
  1. What weight do your righteous deeds carry in your salvation?
  1. Where do works fit into our lives?
  1. What can you do to experience the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit?
  1. How do you feel about the gift?
  1. What will you do to receive this gift?

Digging In Deeper

  1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.
  1. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?
  1. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?
  1. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?