Sin
What is at the root of human sin?
Pride/Will
Which characters in the Bible are mentioned and equated with “The ‘Good’ Person”?
Pharisees
“We must remember that one consequence of God’s love is His wrath.” Why is this the case? Explain your reasoning in your own words.
Answer must logically include all three of the following:
✓ God loves/cares for people
✓ God is good/just, so sin and sinful conduct cannot be ignored
✓ Therefore, His wrath flows from His love and justice in response to sin
Explain in your own words what CS Lewis is trying to say in this quote:
“For the trouble is that one part of you is on God’s side and really agrees with His disapproval of human greed and trickery and exploitation. You may want Him to make an exception in your own case, to let you off this one time; but you know at bottom that unless the power behind the world really and unalterably detests that sort of behavior, then He cannot be good.”
[Sample answer]
You want a God who desires justice and who cares about human evil. Yet when it comes to your own failures, you want Him to give you a pass/excuse. But deep down you know that if God is inconsistent in hating evil, then He cannot be good.
What two emotions does sin produce that are unique to humans? (as opposed to animals)
Guilt & Shame
Hypothetical Scenario: You are speaking with a freshman college student you encounter at Bible Study. They tell you the following.
"I mean... I grew up going to church, and I get that everyone sins. But I've never murdered anyone or stolen anything. I try to be a good person, I care about people, and I don't intentionally hurt anyone. Nobody is perfect, we all have our bad days, so I don’t get why it’s such a big deal."
In 1–2 minutes, respond to this student's view of sin.
Must mention 3 of the following:
✓ Sin is more than just doing “bad things”
✓ Everyone is guilty of sin “we all fall short”
✓ Our standard is God’s holiness, not other people
✓ Sin is a big deal because it separates us from God.
✓ Connecting this to our need for the cross/Jesus.
Hell is often depicted as a fiery cavern ruled by a red, horned creature with a pitchfork. Where is this picture of hell primarily derived from?
European medieval art & literature, popularized by the media.
Name the book and chapter. Bonus (10 pts) for verses.
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in my, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”
Romans 7:15-18
“Human pride finds it humiliating to acknowledge God or honor him as God.” What two individuals does the chapter quote from in order to demonstrate this point?
Atheist philosophers Thomas Nagel & Aldous Huxley
Hypothetical Scenario: You are speaking with a 3rd year philosophy student. They tell you the following.
"Honestly, I think humanity would be better off if we got rid of the whole idea of 'sin.' Throughout history, authorities have used guilt and shame to control people and make them conform. Calling something 'sin' just tells people they're broken so they'll be vulnerable and controllable. I think real freedom comes from rejecting those labels, trusting in yourself, and deciding for yourself what kind of person you want to be. Why should I let anyone else define what's right or wrong for me?"
In 1–2 minutes, respond to this person’s view of sin.
Must mention 3 of the following:
✓ Acknowledge reality of human systems and religion that have misused guilt to control people.
✓ Define sin as a real, objective problem of human nature, not just a tool for manipulation.
✓ True freedom is restoration with God, not autonomy.
✓ The Gospel removes guilt/condemnation through Christ.
What are the 3 images of hell used in the Bible, and what do they each symbolize?
Darkness (isolation), gnashing of teeth (regret), fire (torment)
What is the terrible situation of the human condition described at the end of Chapter 4?
We find ourselves guilty with no defense for our moral actions.
Name the book and chapter used to describe the downward spiral of sin (Bonus +10 points for correct verse!)
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, investors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”
Romans 1:28-31
Hypothetical Scenario: You are speaking with an international graduate student you meet at an ISMP event. They tell you the following.
"I don't think there's one moral standard that everyone has to follow. What's right for me might not be right for you, and that's okay. Everyone has different experiences, values, and beliefs, so I think each person should decide what's true and moral for themselves. As long as you're being authentic and not forcing your beliefs on others, I don't see why anyone else's definition of right and wrong should matter. Isn't it arrogant to claim your morality is the only correct one?"
In 1–2 minutes, respond to this person’s view of sin and morality.
Must mention 3 of the following:
✓ Affirm the value of the diversity of human experiences
✓ Distinguish personal beliefs from objective truth
✓ Moral relativism is self-defeating (no basis to say abuse, injustice, or oppression is universally wrong)
✓ God is the Creator and therefore had authority to define what is good
Describe the concept of hell. "Not so much a specific place as it is…."
a state of permanent being without God’s presence / a godless existence
Which three references (book & chapter) are used to showcase God’s heart towards human rebellion?
Matthew 23:37 | Ezekiel 18:23 | 2 Peter 3:9
Name as many items of corruption/immorality as you can from Romans 1:28-31. Must correctly guess 5 in order to win the 500 points.
Extra 5 points per additional item guessed. (total +95 extra points)
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of ________, ____, ________, _____. They are full of ___, ____, ____, ____, ___________. They are ____, _______, ____ of ___, _____, _____, ______, ______ of ____, _________ to ______, _____, _______, ______, ______.”
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, investors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”
Complete the memory verse
1 John 1:8-10
“If we __ we have no ___, we _____ ourselves, and the ___ is not in us. If we _____ our ___, he is _____ and just to _____ us our sins and to _____ us from all ____________. If we say we have not _____, we make him a ___, and his _____ is ___ in us.”
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Who said this?
“Hell is God’s great compliment to the reality of human freedom and the dignity of human choice.”
Cliff Knechtle (Give Me An Answer)
Complete the memory verse
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not ____ to fulfill his ____ as some count _______, but is _____ toward you, not _______ that any should _____, but that ___ should ____ _________.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.