Sin, the Gospel, and the Law – Outline

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Sin, the Gospel, and the Law

- OVERVIEW

This week we learn that sin damages our relationship with God and others, but God has given His law to help us understand right and wrong. The law shows us our need of Jesus, while the gospel gives us forgiveness, power, and hope. God’s law and the gospel work together to restore us into a loving relationship with Him.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

Psalm 119:93-94

KJV 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.

CEV 93 I won't ever forget your teachings, because you give me new life when I follow them. 94 I belong to you, and I have respected your laws, so keep me safe.

I W N F Y P
F B T Y H G M L
I A Y S M
F I H S Y P

- Lesson

Sin is the greatest barrier between us and God. Sin does not only hurt us now, but it separates us from God and leads to death Isaiah 59:2

KJV 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

CEV 2 Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face.

. Many people treat sin as normal because everyone struggles with it, but God wants us to see sin clearly and honestly.

Every person has sinned. Our thoughts, words, choices, and actions can hurt God, others, and ourselves. God gave His law to shine light on sin, so we can understand our need of Jesus. The law shows the problem, but Jesus is the One who restores our relationship with God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the law and the gospel work together. The law shows us sin, and the gospel points us to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who died to take away sin. The Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to Jesus and His death for us.

The law helps us see our need of Christ. We cannot fix our own hearts or save ourselves. Only Jesus can forgive, cleanse, and give us power to obey. When we accept His mercy, our lives can become filled with love for God and others.

- Conclusion

Sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to forgive us, heal us, and bring us back into a close relationship with Him.

- Reflection

Why is sin so dangerous?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did God give us His law?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – Distractions and Temptations

- Lesson

Read the following:

Judges 14

KJV 1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well. 4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. 5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. 6 And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. 7 And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well. 8 And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion. 9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion. 10 So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do. 11 And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12 And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: 13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. 14 And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so? 16 And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee? 17 And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. 18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? and he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. 19 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. 20 But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

CEV 1 One day, Samson went to Timnah, where he saw a Philistine woman. 2 When he got back home, he told his parents, “I saw a Philistine woman in Timnah, and I want to marry her. Get her for me!” 3 His parents answered, “There are a lot of women in our clan and even more in the rest of Israel. Those Philistines are pagans. Why would you want to marry one of their women?” “She looks good to me,” Samson answered. “Get her for me!” 4 At that time, the Philistines were in control of Israel, and the Lord wanted to stir up trouble for them. That's why he made Samson desire that woman. 5 As Samson and his parents reached the vineyards near Timnah, a fierce young lion suddenly roared and attacked Samson. 6 But the Lord's Spirit took control of Samson, and with his bare hands he tore the lion apart, as though it had been a young goat. His parents didn't know what he had done, and he didn't tell them. 7 When they got to Timnah, Samson talked to the woman, and he was sure that she was the one for him. 8 Later, Samson returned to Timnah for the wedding. And when he came near the place where the lion had attacked, he left the road to see what was left of the lion. He was surprised to see that bees were living in the lion's skeleton, and that they had made some honey. 9 He scooped up the honey in his hands and ate some of it as he walked along. When he got back to his parents, he gave them some of the honey, and they ate it too. But he didn't tell them he had found the honey in the skeleton of a lion. 10 While Samson's father went to make the final arrangements with the bride and her family, Samson threw a big party, as grooms usually did. 11 When the Philistines saw what Samson was like, they told 30 of their young men to stay with him at the party. 12 Samson told the 30 young men, “This party will last for seven days. Let's make a bet: I'll tell you a riddle, and if you can tell me the answer before the party is over, I'll give each of you a shirt and a full change of clothing. 13 But if you can't tell me the answer, then each of you will have to give me a shirt and a full change of clothing.” “It's a bet!” the Philistines said. “Tell us the riddle.” 14 Samson said: Once so strong and mighty — now so sweet and tasty! Three days went by, and the Philistine young men had not come up with the right answer. 15 Finally, on the seventh day of the party they went to Samson's bride and said, “You had better trick your husband into telling you the answer to his riddle. Have you invited us here just to rob us? If you don't find out the answer, we will burn you and your family to death.” 16 Samson's bride went to him and started crying in his arms. “You must really hate me,” she sobbed. “If you loved me at all, you would have told me the answer to your riddle.” “But I haven't even told my parents the answer!” Samson replied. “Why should I tell you?” 17 For the entire seven days of the party, she had been whining and trying to get the answer from him. But that seventh day she put so much pressure on Samson that he finally gave in and told her the answer. She went straight to the young men and told them. 18 Before sunset that day, the men of the town went to Samson with this answer: A lion is the strongest — honey is the sweetest! Samson replied, This answer you have given me doubtless came from my bride-to-be. 19 Then the Lord's Spirit took control of Samson. He went to Ashkelon, where he killed 30 men and took their clothing. Samson then gave it to the 30 young men at Timnah and stormed back home to his own family. 20 The father of the bride made Samson's wife marry one of the 30 young men that had been at Samson's party.

Judges 16:1

KJV 1 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.

CEV 1 One day while Samson was in Gaza, he saw a prostitute and went to her house to spend the night.

Judges 16:4

KJV 4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

CEV 4 Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in Sorek Valley.

Judges 16:16-17

KJV 16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; 17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

CEV 16 Delilah started nagging and pestering him day after day, until he couldn't stand it any longer. 17 Finally, Samson told her the truth. “I have belonged to God ever since I was born, so my hair has never been cut. If it were ever cut off, my strength would leave me, and I would be as weak as anyone else.”

Matthew 6:33

KJV 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

CEV 33 But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Revelation 3:14-22

KJV 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

CEV 14 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: I am the one called Amen! I am the faithful and true witness and the source of God's creation. Listen to what I say. 15 I know everything you have done, and you are not cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16 But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 You claim to be rich and successful and to have everything you need. But you don't know how bad off you really are. You are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Buy your gold from me. It has been refined in a fire, and it will make you rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them and you can cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy medicine for your eyes, so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and punish everyone I love. So make up your minds to turn away from your sins. 20 Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. 21 Everyone who wins the victory will sit with me on my throne, just as I won the victory and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

John 4:6

KJV 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

CEV 6-8 The well that Jacob had dug was still there, and Jesus sat down beside it because he was tired from traveling. It was noon, and after Jesus' disciples had gone into town to buy some food, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her, “Would you please give me a drink of water?”

Luke 5:16

KJV 16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

CEV 16 But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.

Luke 6:12

KJV 12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

CEV (Matthew 10. 1-4; Mark 3. 13-19) 12 About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there.

Mark 1:35

KJV 35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

CEV 35 Very early the next morning before daylight, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.

Matthew 14:23

KJV 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

CEV 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later in the evening, he was still there.

Samson was called by God for a special purpose, but he allowed temptation and selfish desires to control his life. He served God, but he also kept giving in to things that weakened him spiritually. Instead of depending fully on God, Samson trusted his own strength.

The enemy still works to distract us today. Some things may not be wrong by themselves, such as work, social media, sport, food, shopping, or entertainment. But if they take so much time and energy that we have little left for God, they become dangerous. Jesus often went away alone to pray, because time with His Father gave Him strength against temptation.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that some people hear God’s Word but do not really take it into their hearts. Judas was close to Jesus, but he did not let the truth change him. This warns us that knowing truth is not enough if we refuse to obey it.

We should not become discouraged when we see weakness in the church or in ourselves. Instead, we must choose to follow God’s Word. “It is written” should guide our choices. Those who do God’s Word will be blessed, even if they face hardship or loss.

- Conclusion

We cannot overcome temptation by trusting ourselves. We need daily time with God and strength from His Word.

- Reflection

What caused Samson to fall spiritually?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What distractions might weaken our relationship with God today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Strongholds in My Relationship With God

- Lesson

Read the following:

1 Corinthians 10:12

KJV 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

CEV 12 Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall.

Matthew 6:2

KJV 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

CEV 2 When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn. That's what show-offs do in the synagogues and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

Matthew 5:28-29

KJV 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

CEV 28 But I tell you if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to end up in hell.

Matthew 7:1-2

KJV 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

CEV (Luke 6. 37,38,41,42) 1 Don't condemn others, and God won't condemn you. 2 God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.

1 Corinthians 4:5

KJV 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

CEV 5 So don't judge anyone until the Lord returns. He will show what is hidden in the dark and what is in everyone's heart. Then God will be the one who praises each of us.

Matthew 5:44

KJV 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

CEV 44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.

Matthew 5:22

KJV 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

CEV 22 But I promise you if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.

Mark 9:42-48

KJV 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

CEV (Matthew 18. 6-9; Luke 17. 1,2) 42 It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks. 43-44 So if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off! You would be better off to go into life paralyzed than to have two hands and be thrown into the fires of hell that never go out. 45-46 If your foot causes you to sin, chop it off. You would be better off to go into life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 If your eye causes you to sin, get rid of it. You would be better off to go into God's kingdom with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. 48 The worms there never die, and the fire never stops burning.

The Bible warns us not to trust ourselves too much. Paul said, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” 1 Corinthians 10:12

KJV 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

CEV 12 Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall.

. Jesus also warned against pride, lust, judging others, hatred, and anger. These things create barriers between us and God.

Jesus used very strong words in Mark 9:42-48

KJV 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

CEV (Matthew 18. 6-9; Luke 17. 1,2) 42 It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks. 43-44 So if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off! You would be better off to go into life paralyzed than to have two hands and be thrown into the fires of hell that never go out. 45-46 If your foot causes you to sin, chop it off. You would be better off to go into life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 If your eye causes you to sin, get rid of it. You would be better off to go into God's kingdom with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. 48 The worms there never die, and the fire never stops burning.

about removing a hand, foot, or eye if it causes sin. He was not teaching self-harm. He was showing how serious sin is. Anything that keeps pulling us away from God must be removed from our lives.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s people are in a serious spiritual battle. Jesus does not hide this battle from us, but He also promises help from heaven. We are not left to fight alone.

God gives supernatural strength to weak people who trust Him. Faith helps us push through barriers and overcome the enemy. With God’s grace and a firm choice to follow Him, we can grow stronger and become more like Jesus.

- Conclusion

Sin slowly destroys spiritual life, so we must allow God to remove strongholds from our hearts.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus use such strong language about sin?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What stronghold do you need God to help you overcome?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – The Law

- Lesson

Read the following:

Romans 3:20

KJV 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

CEV 20 God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.

1 John 3:4

KJV 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

CEV 4 Everyone who sins breaks God's law, because sin is the same as breaking God's law.

Psalm 51:5

KJV 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

CEV 5 I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born.

Jeremiah 17:9

KJV 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

CEV 9 You people of Judah are so deceitful that you even fool yourselves, and you can't change.

Exodus 20:3-17

KJV 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

CEV 3 Do not worship any god except me. 4 Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the ocean under the earth. 5 Don't bow down and worship idols. I am the Lord your God, and I demand all your love. If you reject me, I will punish your families for three or four generations. 6 But if you love me and obey my laws, I will be kind to your families for thousands of generations. 7 Do not misuse my name. I am the Lord your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name. 8 Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. 9 You have six days when you can do your work, 10 but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day — not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. 11 In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That's why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me. 12 Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you. 13 Do not murder. 14 Be faithful in marriage. 15 Do not steal. 16 Do not tell lies about others. 17 Do not desire to possess anything that belongs to another person — not a house, a wife, a husband, a slave, an ox, a donkey, or anything else.

Mark 12:30-31

KJV 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

CEV 30 You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”

Matthew 22:40

KJV 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

CEV 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.

Hebrews 1:1-2

KJV 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

CEV 1 Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. 2 But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son.

1 John 5:3

KJV 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

CEV 3 We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.

The Bible says that sin is breaking God’s law 1 John 3:4

KJV 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

CEV 4 Everyone who sins breaks God's law, because sin is the same as breaking God's law.

Romans 3:20

KJV 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

CEV 20 God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.

teaches that the law helps us understand what sin is. The law is like a mirror that helps us see what is really in our hearts. It also shows us God’s character and what matters to Him.

The Ten Commandments are about relationships – Exodus 20:3-17

KJV 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

CEV 3 Do not worship any god except me. 4 Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the ocean under the earth. 5 Don't bow down and worship idols. I am the Lord your God, and I demand all your love. If you reject me, I will punish your families for three or four generations. 6 But if you love me and obey my laws, I will be kind to your families for thousands of generations. 7 Do not misuse my name. I am the Lord your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name. 8 Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. 9 You have six days when you can do your work, 10 but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day — not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. 11 In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That's why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me. 12 Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you. 13 Do not murder. 14 Be faithful in marriage. 15 Do not steal. 16 Do not tell lies about others. 17 Do not desire to possess anything that belongs to another person — not a house, a wife, a husband, a slave, an ox, a donkey, or anything else.

..Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves – Mark 12:30-31

KJV 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

CEV 30 You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”

..God’s commandments are not meant to crush us. They protect love, life, peace, and our relationship with God and others.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Old Testament and New Testament belong together. Both reveal Jesus. The gospel was shown through the promises, sacrifices, prophets, and later through Christ Himself.

The law and gospel cannot be separated. The law shows sin, and the gospel reveals Jesus as the answer. We cannot make ourselves holy, but God promises to forgive and cleanse us through Christ when we confess, believe, and give ourselves to Him.

- Conclusion

God’s law is not a burden. It is a loving guide that protects our relationship with Him and with others.

- Reflection

How does God’s law help us understand sin?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why are the commandments connected to love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Law and the Gospel

- Lesson

Read the following:

Matthew 5:17-18

KJV 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

CEV 17 Don't suppose I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. 18 Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.

John 14:15

KJV 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

CEV 15 Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command.

Romans 3:28

KJV 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

CEV 28 We see that people are acceptable to God because they have faith, and not because they obey the Law.

Romans 4:13-16

KJV 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

CEV 13 God promised Abraham and his descendants that he would give them the world. This promise wasn't made because Abraham had obeyed a law, but because his faith in God made him acceptable. 14 If Abraham and his descendants were given this promise because they had obeyed a law, then faith would mean nothing, and the promise would be worthless. 15 God becomes angry when his Law is broken. But where there isn't a law, it cannot be broken. 16 Everything depends on having faith in God, so that God's promise is assured by his gift of undeserved grace. This promise isn't only for Abraham's descendants who have the Law. It is for all who are Abraham's descendants because they have faith, just as he did. Abraham is the ancestor of us all.

Galatians 2:16

KJV 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

CEV 16 But we know that God accepts only those who have faith in Jesus Christ. No one can please God by simply obeying the Law. So we put our faith in Christ Jesus, and God accepted us because of our faith.

Galatians 3:13

KJV 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

CEV 13 But Christ rescued us from the Law's curse, when he became a curse in our place. This is because the Scriptures say that anyone who is nailed to a tree is under a curse.

Philippians 3:9

KJV 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

CEV 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ.

Jesus said clearly that He did not come to destroy the law – Matthew 5:17-18

KJV 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

CEV 17 Don't suppose I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. 18 Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.

..He came to fulfil it and show its true meaning. God’s law reveals sin and shows us what is right, but the law cannot forgive, justify, or save us.

This is why the gospel is so important. The apostle Paul teaches that we are made right with God by faith in Jesus, not by our own law-keeping – Romans 3:28

KJV 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

CEV 28 We see that people are acceptable to God because they have faith, and not because they obey the Law.

Galatians 2:16

KJV 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

CEV 16 But we know that God accepts only those who have faith in Jesus Christ. No one can please God by simply obeying the Law. So we put our faith in Christ Jesus, and God accepted us because of our faith.

Philippians 3:9

KJV 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

CEV 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ.

..The law points out our need, and the gospel gives the answer through Jesus’ death for us. When we love Jesus, we will want to obey Him – John 14:15

KJV 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

CEV 15 Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the law reveals sin, but it cannot remove sin. Only the gospel of Christ can free us from guilt and the power of sin. We must repent toward God and have faith in Jesus, who died for us.

True faith does not cancel God’s law. Instead, when Jesus gives us a new heart, we begin to love God’s law. The law is the root, and the gospel is like the flower and fruit. They belong together.

- Conclusion

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but true faith leads us into loving obedience.

- Reflection

Why can’t the law save us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does the gospel help us obey God’s law?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Knowing and Doing

- Lesson

Read the following:

Matthew 7:21

KJV 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

CEV (Luke 13. 26,27) 21 Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.

John 17:3

KJV 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

CEV 3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.

Matthew 7:24-29

KJV 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

CEV (Luke 6. 47-49) 24 Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall. 26 Anyone who hears my teachings and doesn't obey them is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. 27 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and the winds blew and beat against that house. Finally, it fell with a crash. 28 When Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were surprised at his teaching. 29 He taught them like someone with authority, and not like their teachers of the Law of Moses.

Hosea 4:1

KJV 1 Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

CEV 1 Israel, listen as the Lord accuses everyone in the land! No one is faithful or loyal or truly cares about God.

Hosea 4:6

KJV 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

CEV 6 You priests have rejected me, and my people are destroyed by refusing to obey. Now I'll reject you and forget your children, because you have forgotten my Law.

Hosea 4:10

KJV 10 For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord.

CEV 10 Their food won't satisfy, and having sex at pagan shrines won't produce children. My people have rebelled

Jesus said that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 7:21

KJV 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

CEV (Luke 13. 26,27) 21 Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.

Some people know about Jesus but do not really know Him. True knowledge of God changes the way we live. The apostle John says that eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent – John 17:3

KJV 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

CEV 3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount by comparing people to two builders – Matthew 7:24-29

KJV 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

CEV (Luke 6. 47-49) 24 Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall. 26 Anyone who hears my teachings and doesn't obey them is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. 27 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and the winds blew and beat against that house. Finally, it fell with a crash. 28 When Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were surprised at his teaching. 29 He taught them like someone with authority, and not like their teachers of the Law of Moses.

..The wise person hears Jesus’ words and does them, like building a house on rock. The foolish person hears but does not obey, like building on sand. When storms come, only the life built on Jesus and His Word will stand.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that when people reject God’s Word and Spirit, they lose their protection against sin. Sin and error can trap people, but no one is beyond the reach of Jesus.

Jesus overcame Satan by the power of God’s Word, and we can overcome in the same way. If we truly want to know and do God’s will, His promises are for us. Through Christ, captives can be set free.

- Conclusion

Knowing Jesus is more than having information. It means loving, trusting, and obeying Him every day.

- Reflection

What does it mean to build your life on the Rock?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is knowledge alone not enough?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

Satan has always tried to twist people’s understanding of God’s law. Some people in Jesus’ day thought He came to remove the law, but Jesus said He came to fulfil it – Matthew 5:17-18

KJV 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

CEV 17 Don't suppose I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. 18 Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.

..Jesus showed the beauty of God’s law by revealing God’s loving character.

God’s law helped Israel stay strong when they respected His Word. Reformation happened in the days of Elijah and Josiah when people returned to Scripture. In the same way, we need God’s Word today. The law shows us how to love God and others, but we must never depend on our obedience to save us. Only Jesus’ righteousness can save us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that respect for God’s Word and law gave strength to God’s people in the past. True reform comes when people return to Scripture and allow God’s truth to guide their lives.

The law and gospel must stay together. The law reveals God’s character and shows our need, while the gospel shows Jesus as our Saviour. We obey God, not to earn salvation, but because Jesus has forgiven us and changed our hearts.

- Conclusion

The closer we come to Jesus, the more we will appreciate His law and desire to follow Him out of love.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus say He came to fulfil the law?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we avoid becoming legalistic?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why do many people today treat sin lightly?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does God’s law protect our relationships?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why do the law and gospel need each other?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can Adventists avoid trusting in law-keeping to be saved?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can knowing God’s Word change our relationship with Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law

This week we learned that sin separates us from God, but God lovingly gave His law to reveal truth and guide us into healthy relationships. The law shows us our need of Jesus, while the gospel offers forgiveness, grace, and power for obedience. Through Christ, our relationship with God can be restored and strengthened every day.