Study Two

Knowing Man

Prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my thoughts; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23,24). O God, give me understanding of the human condition. Give me understanding of our relationship with You. We pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

We have only to read the local newspaper and watch the news on television to know the mess the world is in today. Everyday we hear of murders, terrorist acts against the innocent, injustice, man’s cruelty towards man and animals and the irresponsible destruction of the environment. In the last century we thought that we could change man’s nature with better education and socioeconomic development. That it has failed miserably is obvious to all. In this study, we shall learn about the true nature of man and his/her relationship to God. Read chapter two, “Christ Our Life”: A Communicant’s Manual.

WHAT IS MAN?

1. The Bible says man is special because he is made in the image of God. Read Genesis 1:26,27. What do you understand by the ‘image of God?

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2. Why do you think God created man?

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3. Why do you think Adam and Eve disobeyed God? Why do you think it is called the ‘Fall’? Read Genesis 3:1-7.

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4. What are the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience? Read Genesis 3:14-24.

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5. As we are all descendents of Adam and Eve, what do you think are the effects of Adam and Eve’s disobedience on us today?

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SIN

6. What do you understand by the word ‘sin’ ?

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7. What does the Bible teach about sin? Read Romans 3:23.

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8. What are some of the consequences of sin?

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As the result of the Fall, the image of God in man was badly marred in both its moral and its natural dimensions. Man lost his original inclination toward God and became a perverted creature, inclined away from his Creator. His personality was sadly marred. His intellect became bound, his emotions corrupted, and his will enslaved. He lost his true manhood. Men speak about man as “evolving” from a primitive condition, but the Bible (Romans 1:18-32) graphically portrays his descent rather than ascent.

Paul Little

9. How does God regard sin? Why?

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WHAT CAN TAKE AWAY MY SIN?

10. In many religions, man tries to save himself from the punishment of sin by doing good works and obeying the tenets of their religions. Do you think a man with a sinful nature can save himself?

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11. Only a man with a sinless nature can save us, who have the sinful nature. God has provided such a man. Who do you think he is? Why do you think he does not have a sinful nature? Read Luke 1:26-35

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We all have a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot approach God because He is Holy. God will one day in the future judge all men and women. The judgement for sin is eternal damnation in hell. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot save ourselves. God, however, have provided a way to save us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Dear God, have mercy on me a sinner. We know that You are a Holy God and cannot tolerate sin. The consequences of sin is death. Thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus Christ to save us.

Amen