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Middle School Small Group

Study Guide

Week One: The Gospel (Sept 20/21)

Intro/Large Group Teaching (10 minutes)
Over the next six weeks, we are going to be looking at some
foundational aspects of Christianity. Well take a look at:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

The Gospel
The Bible
God
Mankind
Church
Whats Next

Our focus will not just be on knowing each of these, but really
knowing them to the point that we can clearly teach others.
Think of it this way (Either say this or actually ask them and
see what happens): Many of you guys may know where your
house is, where your friends house is, where your school is,
etc. But if I was to ask you to give me directions to get there,
could you clearly spell out exact directions? Would you say:
1) Coming out of the church, take a left on T.W. Alexander
drive and go 2.4 miles. At that intersection (Alexander
and Lumley), youll take a right and go through 3 red
lights before you come to

OR
2) I live over by that store
Although you may know where you live, #2 is most likely what
a lot of you would say. You knowbut you dont know how to
clearly state it.
For many of us, that tends to be the same with our Christian
faith. We think we know all the basics (and maybe we do) but
can we communicate them clearly to those who have never
heard or responded to the Gospel?
Thats the focus of this next 6 weeks.

Large Group/Small Group Discussion (40 minutes)

PART 1
You will go through all of this with your students on their worksheet:
While the Gospel is richer and deeper than we can ever know, there
are two core beliefs to understanding it.
1) Your sin has separated you from God.
2) God loves sinners and has made a way for them to return to him
through Jesus Christ.
Have someone read Romans 3:23 and then answer the following
questions on the worksheet:
1) What is sin?
2) What does it have to do to our standing with God?
Now have someone read Romans 6:23 and define the following words:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Wage
Gift
Death
Eternal Life

Now have a student read Romans 10:9 and answer the following two
questions:
1) Is the Gospel based on something you do or something you
receive?
2) How do you receive the gift of salvation from God?
Based on all the information above, ask students if they can
clearly state what the Gospel is. Dont settle for them just
reciting some of these words or answers. Get them to clearly
define it the way they would if a one of their friends asked
them what the Gospel is. Let them know its okay if they dont
understand it or understand it fully. Thats what this series
(and small groups) are all about.

The Gospel is the message that Jesus Christ, in human form,

died on the cross as a payment for your sin. He then rose from
the grave thereby defeating death. Those who confess belief
in the gospel are given salvation and a new life in Christ.
PART 2
Ask students the following question:
How can you be sure your salvation is secure in Christ? How do you
know that you can never lose your salvation? After students attempt
to answer, have someone read Colossians 2:13-14
A record of debt is like a list of every crime for which a prisoner had
been convicted. When the sentence was served or restitution paid, the
authorities removed the list and wrote paid in full. The accused used
this as proof that he could never be tried for those crimes again. The
believer who trusts Christs payment for sin can never be tried again.
You have full pardon from God!
Think about thatfull pardon from God! Thats a cause for celebration!
And for those of us in Christ, thats why we participate in baptism.
Baptism is a public declaration and celebration of our salvation.
Have someone read Romans 6:4
Just like we did with the last section, see if your students can
clearly state how they know they are saved (if they are) and
what they would say to someone who asks them why
Christians participate in baptism. Dont let them recite
answers. And again, encourage honesty even if they dont
understand it, or if they say that they have never responded to
the Gospel.
PART 3
If you had trouble clearly explaining the gospel, salvation, baptism, etc.
one of the best ways to practice is to write it down and go over it from
time to time. For the remainder of our time, we want to practice
writing our spiritual story. Think about your own spiritual story and
answer the following questions. But dont give one or two word
answers. Really answer the questions as if you were trying to explain
them to someone.

For those that dont profess to be Christians, they can answer the side
questions. These will not be shared with each other.
1) What was my life like before God saved me? (Do I believe I need
to be saved?)
2) What did Christ do to save me and how did I come to believe it?
(What is it about all that Ive have heard about Jesus that I dont
believe?)
3) What is my life like now as a follower of Christ? (Does it bother
me that I am without Christ?)
If they finish, ask them if they dont mind sharing it with you.
Obviously, you wont want to read it out loud but you could offer them
feedback on what they wrote.
Side note- This series gives us as small group leaders an
incredible opportunity to really see where our students are at.
Take advantage of this! Follow up! Love your students
whether they profess to be Christians or not!
Homework (5 minutes)
For homework (yes, we said homework)take your story home and
practice it. We highly encourage you to sit down with one or both of
your parents and practice it with them. Get their feedback on what
you could say more clearly or ask them to help you if there is
something that you dont completely understand. Its ok if you dont
understand somethingthats why were going through this series
together. If youre not a Christian, talk to your parents about it. Tell
them what questions you have and what you dont understand/dont
care about. Just be honest.

WEEK 1: THE GOSPEL

While the Gospel is richer and deeper than we can ever know, there
are two core beliefs to understanding it.
1) Your ____________ has separated you from God.
2) God loves sinners and has made a way for them to return to him
through ______________________________.
Read Romans 3:23
1) What is sin?
2) What does it have to do to our standing with God?
Read Romans 6:23 and define the following words:
1) Wage
2) Gift
3) Death
4) Eternal Life
Read Romans 10:9
1) Is the Gospel based on something you do or something you
receive?

2) How do you receive the gift of salvation from God?

The Gospel is the message that Jesus Christ,

in human form, died on the cross as a payment
for your sin. Hen then rose from the grave
thereby defeating death. Those who confess
belief in the gospel are given salvation and a
new life in Christ.

Writing our your story

What was my life like before God saved me?
(Do I believe I need to be saved?)

What did Christ do to save me and how did I come to believe it?
(What is it about all that Ive have heard about Jesus that I dont
believe?)

What is my life like now as a follower of Christ?

(Does it bother me that I am without Christ?)