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: Genesis 2: 8-9, 25, and 3:6-13, 21; Isaiah 54: 4-5
Discussion Question: Have you ever suffered from a broken heart? Why is it far more tragic for God’s heart to break than yours? What breaks God’s heart?
Food for Thought:
Hearts were never meant to break. In fact, they were originally designed to beat forever. When God created Adam and Eve, He supplied them with an organ that would endlessly pump blood throughout their veins. There were no heart attacks, no cardiac arrests, just the perpetual beating of life and the constant giving of love.
Then it all went to pieces. When humanity rebelled against divinity, God was “grieved … to his heart” (Gen. 6:6). But not only did Yahweh suffer from a broken heart, humans realized that their hearts were broken too. No longer would we live forever. No longer would we enjoy perpetual health and awareness of God’s presence. Now, sweat poured from pores. Bones would now be broken. Men would suffer under the labor of toil; women would suffer under the labor of childbirth.
Even worse, the relationship between God and man was shattered. That beautiful friendship became as broken and uprooted as the soil that humanity had to start plowing. That is, until God paved a way for us back to paradise.
Instead of abandoning humanity or drowning them in another flood, God gave the Israelites instructions to restore unity in their relationship with Him. Through the offering of sacrifices, the people could once again become at one with Yahweh. Humanity could once again be reconciled with divinity. Hearts could be restored. For this to happen, animals had to die — blood had to spill. But reconciliation with God was possible. “At-one-ment” (atonement) was accomplished.
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 for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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