Lesson 22

Why do we need to know the difference between law and gospel?

How do law and gospel differ as to where they are written? Romans 2:14-15 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. in our hearts and the Bible

How do law and gospel differ as to where they are written? 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

How do law and gospel differ as to where they are written? 2 Timothy 3:15 …and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. only in the Bible

Key Point #1 Although the law is written in the heart and in the Bible, the gospel is written only in the Bible.

How do law and gospel differ as to what they tell us? Matthew 19:17-19 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, ”‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

How do law and gospel differ as to what they tell us? Galatians 3:12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” do and don’t

How do law and gospel differ as to what they tell us? Colossians 2:13-14 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

How do law and gospel differ as to what they tell us? Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” done by Christ

Key Point #2 The law tells us what God wants us to do or not to do, but the gospel says that everything has been done for us by Christ.

What two different things do the law and gospel tell us God will give us? Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death… punishment in hell

What two different things do the law and gospel tell us God will give us? Romans 6:23 …but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What two different things do the law and gospel tell us God will give us? John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. life in heaven

Key Point #3 The law tells us God will give us eternal death, but the gospel tells us that God will give us the free gift of eternal life instead.

How does the gospel motivate us to serve God in a different way than the law does? Galatians 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” have to (or else)

How does the gospel motivate us to serve God in a different way than the law does? Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. want to (thank)

Key Point #4 The gospel moves us to serve God because we want to, not because we have to.

A friend of yours says, “The reason I love the Bible is that it is God’s rule book for my life.” How far might you support your friend’s statement? How must you, however, express your disagreement?

Your pastor clearly proclaims the gospel message, but he doesn’t shake his finger at you and harshly demand, “You’d better believe this stuff or else!” Why is your pastor’s way the right way to proclaim the gospel message?

Christmastime is a major gift- giving season. Is the giving of gifts at Christmas in keeping with the gospel message of the season? In what ways can the custom of giving and receiving gifts at Christmas serve to obscure the gospel message and thus become sinful?

On of your friends from church tells you that she is tempted to do one of the following: cheat on a test, party and get drunk, have sex with her boyfriend. In each of these three situations, first explain how you would use God’s law to remind your friend of the sin she would be committing. Then explain how you would use God’s gospel to show her the Savior’s love for her – motivating her to flee these temptations for his sake.

Lesson 22 We need to know the difference between law and gospel so that we never confuse one with the other.

Vocabulary… “law” teaching

Vocabulary… “gospel” good news