Message-Based Study Guide for Small Groups and Individuals
What is the Big Idea About – Salvation 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 March 21-26, 2021
God made the way of salvation simple, yet there is so much confusion about it. Some people say all we have to do is believe in Jesus. In their view, repentance and submission to the lordship of Christ are not necessary for salvation. Others think joining a church, being baptized, giving money, and doing good works are all that’s required.
Salvation is by faith and not works, but we need to clarify what “believing in Jesus” means. This expression encompasses so much more than merely believing what the Bible says about Him. Saving faith is more than mental agreement with the truth. It includes an acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins, as well as a recognition of our own sinfulness. We become sorrowful under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and desire a changed life.
The Way of Salvation Dr. Charles Stanley
Answer and discuss the following question with your group
1. What do you or did you believe was required for salvation? Why?
Read the following excerpt out loud or watch message segment #1 An excerpt from the StoneBridge message, “What is the Big Idea About – Salvation”
“Most religions try to figure out how to satisfy their god. Always another sacrifice – never enough – have to keep our god or our gods happy – here is some money or here is some fruit or here is some stuff – and please help me out – please get me what I want – please – how can I get you on your good side so we don’t have to suffer any longer.”
Read 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23 and answer/discuss the following questions
2. What are the key points Paul makes about sin in these verses? What does this mean to you personally? 3. In your own words, how would you describe salvation based on these verses? How is it the same or different from what you have heard or believed? 4. What do you think is the hardest part about the gospel message for some people to believe or what gets in their way of believing? Why do you think this is so?
Read the following excerpt out loud or watch message segment #2 An excerpt from the StoneBridge message, “What is the Big Idea About - Salvation”
What is the Big Idea About - Salvation, page 1 Message-Based Study Guide for Small Groups and Individuals
“There is an amazing moment in the life of Paul and Silas – missionaries – they meet a girl who was a slave – and she had a spirit in her that helped her predict the future – she earned a lot of money for her owners by being a fortune teller. Paul and Silas meet her and she begins to tell people that they are from the Highest God and they can tell you how to be saved.”
Read Acts 16:16-34 and answer/discuss the following questions
5. From this passage, what do you note about how Paul and Silas react to their situation of being in jail? Why do you think this is?
6. Reread verses 31-32. What did Paul and Silas tell the jailer about salvation? We don’t know what was included in “spoke the word of God” to the Jailer and his family, but what else from Jesus teaching would be appropriate to share at this time?
7. Describe the jailer’s reaction to the event in the jail and why you think he responded as he did. What was your response to God’s message of salvation through Jesus?
Reflection and Wrap-up
8. From this lesson, what would you like to thank God for in the message of salvation?
9. Who do you know that needs to hear the message of salvation? How could you share the message with them?
Pray Together as a Group
Additional Study
If you have time during your Small Group or you want to study more about the message topic, read and consider the following passages:
● Romans 5:11 ● Romans 8:39 ● Romans 10:9 ● Acts 2:37-38
Just Thinking
● You are the God of mercy and judgement. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. ● God, please forgive me when I think the works that I do save me. ● God, help me to understand there is nothing I have done that would not allow me to come to you. You love me and desire to spend today and eternity with me. ● I need to surrender my faith, family, work, and problems to Jesus who is the Lord of my life.
What is the Big Idea About - Salvation, page 2