The Sin of Man

“KNOWING GOD”

Study #3: The Sin of Man

Introduction: It is always a good idea to start every study with a review of the past studies that have been done—repetition strengthens conviction. What did they learn from the previous study? Was there anything that they did not understand or disagreed with? Etc.

Remember, your goal is not to just “go through the studies” with them, but rather to help them develop their own convictions from God’s Word. How is their daily Bible reading going?

The purpose of this study is to open their hearts to the seriousness and depth of their own sin. In order to facilitate this, make sure that you do not come across “too preachy or teachy” but rather make it “a great talk.” Your own realness, vulnerability, and authenticity are very important here so please pray prior to the study so you can be an example of what it looks like to “step into the light”

For transparency purposes it is important to start with introductory statement like: “Today we are going to talk about one of the most misunderstood and difficult topics to discuss, but one that has changed my life so much over the years. The topic is the sin of man.”

1. Romans 3:23-24
   • What does it mean to sin?
   • The word sin is harmatia in Greek, meaning “the comprehensive expression of everything opposed to God.” It is more than just “doing wrong” as all sin is ultimately directed against God.
   • Our goal is to be like God and in any way we fall short, we have “sinned.”
   • Let’s look at another verse that talks about the consequence of sin.

2. Romans 6:23
   • What does it mean to say “the wages of sin is death?”
     • Physical death: murder, war, etc.
     • Emotional death: guilt, fear, insecurity, anger, apathy, etc.
     • Relational death: divorce, bitterness, resentment, etc.
     • Spiritual death: not knowing God, worshiping objects or people, etc.
     • Eternal death: if you die apart from God, you will so remain forever.
   • Let’s look at another scripture about sin.

3. Isaiah 59:1-2
   • What does this scripture say about the consequence of sin?
   • Sin separates us from God.
   • Draw the diagram of God and Man.

[See “The Big Picture” drawing, attachment J]

• In order for man to have a real relationship with God, the wall of sin must be broken down.  The point in time that happens is the point that a person is “saved.”
• Jesus came to break a hole in that wall and we will study more about that in the next study.
• Where do you think sin comes from?

4. Mark 7:20-23
   • Where does sin come from?
   • It comes from within our own hearts; we cannot blame our environment, upbringing or society.
   • Here, Jesus lists many specific sins. There are over 30 such lists like this in the NT alone; why do you think the Bible is so specific?
   • God wants us to know not just that we are “sinners” but what our specific sins are. It is humbling and difficult to be this specific about our sins, but that is how God wants us to be, or He would not have written it so.
   • Let’s look at another list of specific sins.

5. Galatians 5:19-21 (sins of commission)
   • Notice the groupings of the sins listed here. The first group is sexual type sins, the second is spiritual type sins, the third is sins of the heart or relational type sins, and the fourth is sins of indulgence.

[For detailed definitions of these sins, see attachment C CLICK HERE]

• Living like this will result in eternal death.
• This might be a good time to share vulnerably from you own life about some of the sins you have struggled with over the years.
• Some examples of additional lists of sin are Romans 1:21-32, I Corinthians 6:9-10, Revelation 22:14-15.
• Let’s look at a verse that speaks of a whole different type of sin.

6. James 4:17 (sins of omission)
   • Not only is it sin to do what is wrong, but also to not do what is right.
   • Can you think of any examples of this?
   • Matthew 25:31-46 gives a great example of the sins of omission.

7. Genesis 6:5-6

It is important to see sin as not just breaking a law, but as doing something that actually hurts God. He cares about us so much and wants a relationship with us so badly that His heart is filled with pain over our sin.

Concluding Questions and Comments:

What are your thoughts about these scriptures? Are there specific areas in your life that you think you need to change? What are those areas? If they are comfortable (ask first) it would be helpful to have some honest and open confession at this point where you also are honest and open about your life when you were in their shoes. How do you think God feels about those sins? Ask them to review this study on their own and pray about the specific sins in their lives—that they may identify them and overcome them.

(Here are some scriptures to help them see the value of being open about their sins, if they need them—1 John 1:5-10, John 3:19-21, Ephesians 5:11-14.)