The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Lesson 7: Learn to Walk in the Spirit: Galatians

    Key Verse

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

    —Galatians 5:16

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help you understand it a little better.

    • Walk means “the rule or manner by which one lives one’s life.”
    • Fulfilmeans“to execute fully a rule or law; to accomplish.”
    • The lust of the flesh means “the seat of carnal desires or appetites; proneness to sin; in opposition to the Holy Spirit or His influences.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Paul taught to walk in the Spirit.

    Emphasis: In today’s lesson, we are to remember God’s Law was given to reveal sin, but that salvation is by faith in Jesus. Christians are to put to death the old nature along with the wrong things people are tempted to do (see Galatians 5:19-21). Instead, Christians are to walk in the Spirit, allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be revealed in them.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we studied the rest of Second Corinthians. We learned how Paul loved the Corinthian church and taught them, as his own children, to grow in Christ. When he recognized they were failing in a few areas in their Christian walk, he corrected them. He instructed them to not have friends (or marry anyone) who was not a Christian because there was no common fellowship. They were to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh. Paul also taught them that it was important to examine their own life to see if they were living a Christ-like life. If they were failing in any area, they were to correct those errors.

    In this lesson, we find out what Paul wrote to the churches at Galatia after he learned that false teachers had come in leading this church to become legalistic (placing themselves under the confines of the Law from which Christians, through Christ, had been set free). Because of their rejection of grace and the return to bondage of the law, this was the harshest of the letters Paul wrote. Paul wrote to correct the false teaching that had permeated this church. He told of when Jesus called upon him and he believed, separating himself for three years to learn the truth of the Gospel. He then proclaimed the truth to them, honestly and openly, not changing the message to please man. He declared the following: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

    Paul stated again that salvation was by faith. He reminded them of Abraham who believed by faith, long before the law was written. He proceeded to teach them that because they had been set free from the Law, they were to live in the Spirit. If they would walk in the Spirit, they would not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Paul again listed some sins: against the Spirit, against God, and against themselves. These were sins that they were to forsake. Instead, Christians are to obtain the fruit of the Spirit: “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    One time we took pictures of fruit and added them to the “basket”. Another time we colored pictures, cut them out, and added them to the “basket”.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 6: Growing in Christ: 2 Corinthians 6-13

    Key Verse

    Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

    —2 Corinthians 7:1

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. After reading it, understand it better with the following definitions:

    • Cleanse means “to purify from the pollution and guilt of sin – in a spiritual sense.”
    • Filthiness means “anything that defiles (to make unclean or impure).”
    • Holiness means “exhortation to believers to perfect holiness – to live a virtuous life in the fear of God.”

    In this lesson, we will learn as Paul wrote to the Corinthians helping them understand that God wanted them to remove sin and live a life pleasing Him.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to understand the importance of putting away sin, choosing Christian friends, and to grow more Christ-like in our lives. It is imperative that we examine our hearts and lives to be sure we are becoming more like Christ.

    Lesson Summary: After reading the letter of Romans as Paul taught the foundational doctrine (doctrine means “a principle or position laid down as true by an instructor or master”), and instruction for the church, we learned that there were faults in the church at Corinth. Paul then wrote two letters to the Corinthians convincing them of the faults and teaching them how to correct them. As we continue in this lesson, Paul gives further instruction as they were learning how to live and function as the body of Christ. These words were preserved through the years so that Christians today could continue to learn.

    Paul called them to work together, not forgetting they were saved by grace, and to grow in their Christian lives, producing fruit. He also taught them to understand the difference between one who lived a Christ-like life, and one who lived like the world. Christians are to recognize and separate from the unrighteous. God was their father, and they were his children, so Christians were to cleanse their lives from sin, becoming more like Christ.

    When the Corinthian church heard Paul’s words of correction, they received them, growing and abounding in their faith. Paul taught specific ways to walk in that Christian life: in their giving and in the warfare (“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” 2 Corinthians 10:3). He continued with a warning to not be deceived by false teaching, and to know that God would help them: for Paul learned “for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Finally, Paul encouraged them to consistently examine their own heart and lives – making sure that they were living a Christ-like life.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 6 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 6 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We laced a frame for the verse from 2 Corinthians 6:1. We then added stickers to complete it.

    The complete lesson is now available in The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three through Amazon.

  • Lesson 5: Be Faithful to Christ: 2 Corinthians 1-5

    Key Verse

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

    —2 Corinthians 5:10

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the Key Verse, understand that each Christian will stand before God one day to give an accounting of how they lived their lives. We have already learned that God knows everything, even the things done in secret (see Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”). In this lesson, we will learn as Paul taught that each Christian is to live a life so that others can see Jesus – for Christians are His ambassadors.

    Emphasis: Christians are faithfully to live a life pleasing to God understanding that each Christian will stand before God one day to give an accounting of his life – of things done that are good or bad. We must recognize that living a Christ-like life may not always be easy, but to remember that Christians represent Jesus as His ambassador here on this earth.

    Lesson Summary: Second Corinthians was a letter written to the church at Corinth, approximately a year after First Corinthians. Paul understood that the first letter had been received, and the people were adhering to the teachings, but he had further instructions for them.

    Paul encouraged the church to forgive one another’s faults, and receive the one who had been separated from them because of sin – for he had repented. They had to learn the importance of forgiveness – just as Jesus had taught. Christians were to understand that when they were faced with difficult situations, they were to live according to what they had been taught.

    Paul encouraged them to follow Christ – no matter how difficult it may be. Moreover, Paul led by example, living a life so that anyone could see Jesus by his words and actions. Paul wanted Christians to understand that God had given His Spirit to dwell within each Christian’s heart, and God’s Spirit would teach them the right thing to do in any situation. He continued by teaching Christians the importance of true (correct) teaching because the god of this world, Satan, blinds people because he doesn’t want them to recognize the Light of the world – Jesus.

    Paul taught that each Christian would stand before God, giving an account of how they lived their life, whether good or bad. He wanted them to understand that Christians represent Jesus here on this earth, and Christians are ambassadors for Christ.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    One time, we filled a bag with sweet smelling potpourri and attached a tag with verse 2 Corithians 2:15 to help them remember the importance of living a Christ-like life others would recognize. Another time, we decorated a foam sheet with stickers to hang somewhere with the same verse to help them remember.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 4: Stand Fast: 1 Corinthians 7-16

    Key Verse

    Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

    —1 Corinthians 16:13

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson. Understand the Key Verse with the following definitions:

    • Watch means the caution needed against the anxiety resulting from the fear of the loss of one’s salvation.
    • Stand fast means to stand firm in faith and duty; to be constant; to persevere; to remain steadfast in the faith and profession of Christ.
    • Quit you like men means to behave oneself with the courage and wisdom of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ; to behave courageously.
    • Be strong means to be strong; to grow strong.

    As we learned in our last lesson, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to correct wrong teaching. In this lesson, we will find he continued with the importance of not quitting but living a faithful Christian life: fearless, steadfast faith, behaving, courageous, and growing.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are the body of Christ, and to understand our responsibilities as a Christian – namely to become a strong, faithful Christian who lives a life pleasing to God. As Christians, we are to have godly, Christian friends who can encourage us to serve Jesus and His church faithfully.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because of the divisions and problems about which he had heard. After explaining Jesus was the only way to be saved, he continued by reminding them that they were not to live in the wisdom of man, but in God’s wisdom – for they were bought with a price.

    In this lesson, we continue with that letter to the church at Corinth. As Paul further instructed the people on their Christian responsibilities. He taught that it is important for the church to take care of the pastor – for his life is the ministry of the Gospel. However, each Christian is responsible for living a life that anyone who sees may understand that they belong to Jesus. Paul reminded them of the children of Israel in the wilderness, specifically what happened when they refused to obey God, and instead fulfilled their own lusts. The people died in the wilderness, never reaching the Promised Land.

    Paul also taught the importance of the Lord’s Supper, and that Christians are, collectively, the body of Christ. Christians were taught the importance of remembering why Jesus died and sharing that message with others. Paul taught many areas in which Christians are to remain faithful, living a life pleasing to God. He called upon the Corinthians to, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, we drew and decorated a church building, helping them understand that the people attending are really the “church”.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 3: Following Christ: 1 Corinthians 1 – 6

    Key Verse

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

    —1 Corinthians 6:20

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Each Christian was bought with a price. Do you remember what that price was? (Jesus’ death on the cross because of man’s sin.) Bought means “believers are bought for a price; once bought, the buyer has the right of possession. In the redemptive work of Jesus, the idea is that Christ, by offering Himself for us as due satisfaction, freed us from liability in paying the debt ourselves.” Glorify means“to render glory to God; recognize Him for who and what He is.” Once a Christian realizes what Jesus did – died for us – we are to recognize God for who He is and what He did for us. We show that by living a life pleasing to God – according to His Word, for we belong to Him.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are to remember the Gospel message; that Jesus saves. Christians are the Temple of God – bought with a price, which means we belong to Him and are to live a life pleasing to Him. We are to put away from us the people living in sin, but always be faithful to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: First Corinthians was written to the church at Corinth that was founded on Paul’s second missionary journey. It was necessary because Paul received word that error had been taught and factions had appeared in the church, dividing the church body. The people seemed to have forgotten the importance of the message – Jesus died on the cross for man’s sin. The Christians were arguing, declaring they had been saved under the preaching of different men: some Paul, others Peter (Cephas), and some even said Apollos. They were focused on the messengers, not the message. Paul explained the simplicity of the message – he preached Jesus.

    The church at Corinth had not grown in maturity as they should have – for many still lived like the lost world. Paul taught them that they were the Temple of the Lord. They were not to defile that temple by continuing in sin. Paul explained the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of man – for “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). God’s people were to put away those who lived contrary to God’s Word.

    In this lesson, we will learn the following: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a foam cross with stickers and verses to help us remember that our lives were bought with a price – Jesus’ death on the cross.

    To find the full lesson, The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available for purchase through Amazon.

  • Put Off the Old

    “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

    Ephesians 4:22-23

    Much of the Old Testament is a physical picture of the spirit life described in the New Testament. One vivid picture is in the taking of the land of Canaan – the Promised Land. Remember that this was the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. When the Israelites came out of Egypt, they had grown to become a mighty nation. When the people finally prepared to conquer the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh wanted to stay on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This was not where God wanted them. However, concession was made for them to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

    Consider what they saw: There was plenty of grassland for their animals. “Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle” (Numbers 32:1). They saw the land, and wanted it. They desired this place instead of the land the God had for them. So the children of Reuben and Gad asked Moses if they could stay where they were. Moses declared it would discourage the other Israelites who must go to war to conquer their land while they stayed in that grassland. “And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?” (Numbers 32:7). Moses warned them that they were acting like the generation before them who refused to enter into the Promised Land. “And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel” (Numbers 32:14). After promising that they would help the children of Israel conquer the land, and then return to the other side of the Jordan to live and raise their animals, Moses gave them the land. “And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph … the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about” (Numbers 32:33).

    Why was it wrong for them to want to stay on the eastern side of the Jordan River?

    Consider that this was not the land that God had chosen and planned to give them. It was the land that these tribes saw and wanted. They thought it was a logical place to stay – for there was much grassland for their cattle. Besides, they agreed to help the other Israelites conquer the land, so as to not discourage them, and then return to the land they had chosen. There were many problems with their choice. They were never included within the land of Israel. At one point, the children of Israel almost went to war against them (see Joshua 22). These tribes were the first to fall into idolatry, and the first tribes carried captive out of the land. All because they chose to live on the fringe of where God wanted them to be.

    This is a great physical picture of some Christians’ lives. There are those who trust in Christ, yet they live as superficial Christians in many respects. They do not fully enter into the lifestyle that God would have for them in this new life. Many choose the things of this world walking as others, in the vanity of their minds. “17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18).Remember that the tribes that chose to refuse the land God had for them, choosing instead the land that they saw and wanted. This alienated them from the life that God wanted for them – in the Promised Land. Instead, they were susceptible to extra wars with their brethren, idolatry, and eventually being cut short as a people in the land (carried captive). This is a picture of the Christian life that walks according to the world and its system, contrary to what God has planned. This is a life “alienated from the life of God”. Because of the blindness of that heart (the hardheartedness), he chooses to live on the fringe of where God wants him to be.

    Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus how to walk (according to the truth in Jesus), putting on the new man. “21. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:21-23). Christians are to know how to live according to God’s Word, then forsake the old way of life (living according to the world), and choose to live a new life pleasing God. Read how Paul described this: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

    Have you put off the old man with his ways, and then put on the new man, choosing to fully enter the Christian life?

  • Lesson 2: How to Live Like You are Saved: Romans 7 – 16

    Key Verse

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

    —Romans 12:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” We are to understand that a Christian is not to look like, act like, or even sound like the world in which we live. Instead, Christians are to be completely changed – to be like Jesus. To be transformed from the inside out. The only way to do that is to read God’s Word, learning how Jesus wants us to live an acceptable life before him – and then living that life!

    Emphasis: It is important to understand what a Christian is to do once they give their heart and life to Jesus. The rest of the time spent on earth is to learn how to live a life better pleasing to God, to get along with one another, and encouraging one another. In addition, Christians are to be able to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that everyone is a sinner and needs Jesus to take away their sin. After learning how to be saved, a Christian must know how to live a life pleasing to Jesus.

    One important thing each new Christian must recognize is that they are to no longer live a life pleasing to the flesh – for they are a new creature; a spiritual one. These two natures are contrary one to another, so there will be a struggle. Paul understood this and explained this to the new Christians.

    We will look at some of the other things Paul taught to new Christians: Christians have been adopted into God’s family; God will never leave them; God is for them; they are to want others to be saved, and tell others about Jesus; how to live; how to get along with other Christians; the importance of obeying the laws of the land; how to “walk honestly;” and to encourage one another.

    As we end this lesson, we will read a warning Paul wrote: once a Christian learns how to live a life pleasing to Jesus and begins to live that new life, he is to recognize those who claim to know Jesus, yet do not live a right life. Christians are to avoid those people and stay away from them.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a butterfly with construction paper, stickers, and a pencil to help us remember that Christians are transformed into a new creation – much like a butterfly from a caterpillar.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available through Amazon.

  • Jesus, the Light that Shines in the Heart

    “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 4:6

    Paul was a great missionary, sent by God, to tell others the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Paul understood the importance of salvation, and he was not ashamed to tell anyone he met what Jesus could do for them. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences, and involving an attachment to the body of Christ (the church), and eternal life in the kingdom of Christ.” It was because of this great need of deliverance from sin and its’ spiritual consequences that encouraged Paul to preach the Gospel Message of Jesus. “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Many believed what Paul preached, and it changed their lives. However, as may happen when the Gospel Message is preached, some “believed in vain”. Believed in vain means “without effect; a temporary faith makes no appreciable difference in one’s life because the gospel fails to take effect.” Some people make a mental ascent to faith in Jesus, but unless one truly receives Christ in the heart with a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), it is only a temporary faith – not real. Nevertheless, Paul taught them Jesus, whom Paul had himself received. “3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It is up to each individual to choose as to whether he or she will believe.

    Paul recognized the primary focus of his life was to spread the Gospel message of Jesus, however he also understood the importance of living a life so that any who saw him knew he was different – that he belonged to Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul had learned that not all would believe in the Gospel Message of Jesus. Nevertheless, all Christians are to tell others about Jesus and live a life so that others can recognize they have Jesus. It is then up to the individuals to make their own choice – saved or perish; death or life. Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus.

    As Paul preached faithfully, he recognized that to some, the Gospel Message was hidden. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). More importantly, Paul understood how it was hidden from them. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Remember: Jesus is the Light of the world. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). If one does not receive “the glorious gospel of Christ”, it is because “the god of this world” (Satan) has hidden it from them (blinded their minds). It is interesting that Satan blinds the mind. Somehow, he is able to convolute the simplicity of the Gospel Message. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Because of blinded minds, many have rejected Jesus, the Light of the World.

    However, read what God does: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). God “hath shined in our hearts”. Where Satan blinds the mind, God shines in the heart, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. If one will receive that Light, one gains the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

    Paul understood the importance of the message he was to deliver: Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, paying for man’s sin, rose again the third day, and is coming again one day. This was a message the world did not, and could not understand – for Satan blinds the mind. However, the Light of the knowledge of Jesus can change one’s life – if one will only believe.

    Have you received the Light of the knowledge of Jesus, living a changed life, then becoming a savor of life to others?

    Find out how to receive the Light of Jesus: Salvation.

  • Lesson 1: How to Be Saved: Romans 1 – 6

    Key Verse

    As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

    —Romans 3:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. The message in this verse is repeated throughout the Bible: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Righteous means “just; in this verse it is stated that there is no man who in his behavior can fully meet the expectations of God in his life.” No one is “right” in God’s eyes.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that all of man has sinned. No one is righteous before God; therefore, all are in need of Salvation. Salvation only comes by faith in Jesus – one must believe Jesus can take away sin, allowing one to stand righteous before God. Christians need to understand the importance of knowing how to tell others how to be saved.

    Lesson Summary: As we studied the book of Acts, we learned how the Gospel message spread. The spread began with persecution, but we learned that God set Paul apart to be a Light to the Gentile people. In order to accomplish this, Paul went on missionary journeys into the Gentile nations around. Through these journeys, not only were there many saved, but numerous churches were started. Paul wrote letters to these churches, encouraging and teaching them.

    In this lesson, as we begin the book of Romans, we learn that when Paul wrote this letter, he had not yet visited Rome – but he wanted to. (Remember that we learned in our last lesson that Paul eventually did make it to Rome – as a prisoner. In addition, that even as a prisoner, he was a vocal witness and many were saved.) This letter was written to a mostly Gentile audience, and Paul wanted them to understand that man is sinful, and they needed Jesus to save them from their sin. As we study the first six chapters of Romans, we will learn just what sin is, and how it is revealed. We will then look at just what it takes to be delivered from that sin – faith in Jesus. Paul gave them a mighty example of faith in the Old Testament, Abraham. Next, we will read of the obedience it takes to become a Christian, and the first steps required as a new Christian. Finally, we will learn the Roman Road. Not only is it something each sinner needs to understand how to become a Christian, but each Christian needs to know, and even memorize, these Scriptures in order to tell someone else how to be saved.

    In Romans, Paul quoted the Old Testament more than any other letter he wrote. We can understand that he wanted all to understand that the Gospel message in the Old Testament is the same as in the New Testament.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a booklet to help them understand the importance of salvation what to do about it.

    Verses telling what one must do to Be Saved.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available through Amazon.

  • Know Ye Not?

    “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain”

    1 Corinthians 9:24

    Paul had visited Corinth on two different missionary journeys, spending at least eighteen months on one visit. He also wrote two letters to the church established in Corinth that we have to read even today. In these letters, we find much that should apply to all Christians. Paul wrote one letter when he heard of problems in the church. There were divisions beginning to form that needed to be stopped. There was also sin being allowed into the church that left unchecked, would destroy the church from within. Paul understood the importance of dealing with these issues, quickly, to help the young Christians to grow in Christ as they should. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

    When Paul wrote, we find that he recognized their condition. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Notice Paul said he could not speak unto them as spiritual, but carnal. They were still babes in Christ. Because they had not yet learned how to live a Christian life, they were still “carnal” (carnal means “weakness; frailty; of persons being worldly”). This revealed that they were living according to the world and its’ standards, not according to God’s. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). After addressing their divisions, he reminded them that God’s Spirit lived in them. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Did you notice how that verse began? “Know ye not”. This was a big part of their problem. They had not taken the time to “know” what they needed to know in order to live as they were supposed to live. Paul mentions this several times in this letter. Take note of the following:

    • “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).
    • “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? …” (1 Corinthians 6:2:).
    • “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? …” (1 Corinthians 6:3).
    • “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? …” (1 Corinthians 6:9).
    • “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? …” (1 Corinthians 6:15).
    • “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? …” (1 Corinthians 6:16).
    • “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

    Paul addressed many thing that they did not know. One more thing they did not know was that the Christian life is much like a race. And Paul was a great example for them to follow. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Paul compared this Christian life to a race that all are running. Think of a race: there is a course, a goal in sight, and a reward. The Christian life can be thought of in much the same way:

    • there is a course (a godly lifestyle one lives according to God’s Word),
    • a goal in sight (keeping eyes on Jesus, living that life so others can see and come to know Jesus),
    • and a reward (eternal life in heaven with Jesus someday where Christians will receive rewards for things done on this earth for Jesus).

    Just as runners have to train, exercise, and eat right, Christians who want to live a life pleasing to God must also train, exercise and eat right. How? Christians are given God’s Word to teach them how to live a life pleasing to God. It takes much work and exercise to strengthen spiritual muscles to put away the sins of the world and instead choose the things of God (see 1 Timothy 4:6-9). Eating right would consist of putting God’s Word into the Christian heart and mind (see Psalm 119:11) as opposed to the things of this world. This was an area that the Corinthian church needed to work on: knowing how to live the Christian life.

    There is one important difference in a physical race, and the race of the Christian life, that Paul explained to them. In a physical race, there is only one winner, but in the race of the Christian life, all will receive eternal life with Jesus – only the personal rewards will be different, according to how the race is run (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

    Do you know how to run the race that is the Christian life, understanding how to please God?