IGNORING GOD’S PLAIN TRUTH

SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE FOR JUNE 26, 2016

THEME FOR THE MONTH:                  A WORLD GONE WRONG

TOPIC FOR TODAY:                            IGNORING GOD’S PLAIN TRUTH

TEXT:                                                   ROMANS 1:18-23, 28-32

MEMORY VERSE: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – ROMANS 1:20 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

The title above is a classic slogan in advertising. Many businesses try to persuade us that their products are original, genuine, the best. Of course, in some cases we cannot tell the difference between the so-called genuine item and a substitute. We occasionally may conclude that the substitute offers better value. But in many instances, we avoid substitutes and insist on “the real thing.”

Today’s text is about life’s most important choice regarding the genuine and substitutes. Our text insists that the one, true God is clearly revealed to all people. None can rightly say that they have no knowledge of the true God.

Tragically, however, we see how people ignore the true God and accept substitutes. That choice is tragic because it leads to the degradation and disharmony that ruin lives. More seriously, it also leads to eternal punishment.       

LESSON AIMS: To help class members to:

·     LIST some ways that people change the truth of God into lies.

·     EXPLAIN how God’s general revelation makes humans morally responsible to him.

·    IDENTIFY in his or her life one besetting sin and the worldly lie behind it and make a plan for change.

THE LESSON

1.  SUPPRESSING THE TRUTH — ROMANS 1:18-20

a.  What are some ways the truth is being supressed today? How can we do better?

b.  In what specific ways do you see creation revealing God’s nature? And how should humankind’s ideal response (of appreciation) to God be?

Supressing God’s truth is wickedness and it attracts God’s judgement                             

2.  THE WICKEDNESS OF THE PEOPLE EXPOSED — ROMANS 1:21-23

a.   Is it possible to know and yet ignore God’s truth? If so, what are the possible reasons for this? How can we help ourselves in such situations?

b.   How do we guard against subconsciously attaching more importance to temporary things than to the eternal God? How can we do better?

It is foolishness to ignore or deny God’s existence or reject the salvation that is in Christ.

3.  GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE WICKED  — ROMANS 1:28-32

a.    How would you identify someone whose heart is hardened to God’s truth, laws and instructions? Romans 1:29-32. How can such person be helped?

b.    What can we include in a list of characteristics of a life in submission to God, in contrast with what Paul lists for the life in rebellion against God?

The danger of rejecting God’s knowledge is beyond what human mind can fathom.

THE CONCLUSION:

In verse 18, Paul speaks of those who “hold” or “suppress” the truth. This practice has been followed throughout the history of the world, beginning with Satan, who suppressed the truth by telling Eve the great lie, “Ye shall not surely die.” (Gen. 3:4) Under the evil influence of the Adversary, mankind in general has followed a similar course, putting “darkness for light, and light for darkness.”—Isa. 5:20. Unfortunately, many believers unconsciously participate in this act. We are gradually becoming a people with little or no respect for the gospel of Christ. Paul declared in vs 16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes...” The truth about Christ’s birth, His life, death and resurrection is the truth that must never be ignored.

PRAYER: Lord, please save us from every act of ignoring the truth about you and your works.

Next week’s topic: IGNORING GOD’S TRUTH WITHIN US— ROMANS 2