NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passages: Psalm 139:1-10; Matthew 19:23-26
Discussion Questions: Why is it important to compare God’s power to what is humanly impossible? What humanly impossible things would you like to ask God to do in your life and in your church’s life?
Food for Thought:
God’s power to do what is impossible focuses on what looks to be impossible from a merely human viewpoint. Thus, when the Virgin Mary was confronted with the news that she would become pregnant and give birth to a son, she rightly asked, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). Through natural processes, there can be no such thing as a pregnant virgin. But with the God of the impossible, it’s another matter.
Think also about the possibility of death being reversed. In ordinary experience, this can’t happen. But in the case of Jesus, “God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). Furthermore, because Jesus has become the firstfruits raised by God from death, so all who are in Christ have the promise of future resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-28).
This same principle applies to how we become right with God. From a human point of view, there’s no hope. Good works aren’t able to save, “for no one will be justified in His sight by the works of the law” (Rom. 3:20). Wealth isn’t able to save, “for it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). When Jesus’ disciples responded to this teaching in dismay — “Then who can be saved?” –Jesus replied with an astonishing declaration of God’s power to do the humanly impossible: “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (18:26-27).
Just think about it. Your right-standing with God is all because He has done what is impossible!
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered curriculum that examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how the Gospel transforms the lives of those it touches. Through a three-year study plan, participants are immersed in the Gospel through stories, theological concepts and calls to missions from Genesis to Revelation. Separate study plans for kids and students/adults ensure the proper focus and depth. The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under a single Christ-centered curriculum. More information, free samples, and The Gospel Project blog can be found at gospelproject.com .
Other ongoing Bible study options offered by LifeWay for all ages can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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