Sinfulness of All Boys and Girls – Children’s Search the Scripture Lesson 23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 3:23 (Memory Verse)

Mary was born into a religious family. The parents were ordained ministers in their church. As a baby, Mary was baptised, christened and dedicated in the church. As she grew, she was taught all the doctrines of their church, which she must obey. The family of Mary always observed all the yearly religious ceremonies with great celebration. The people in the community saw them as a devoted Christian family.

Mary’s lifestyle shows that religion and observance of rules can never take away sin. This was the condition of the Jews (children of Israel) at the time of the New Testament. Our Bible passage shows us the difference between observance of law and having faith in Christ for our salvation.

1. THE SINFUL NATURE OF ALL MEN

Romans 1:32; 3:1-23; Psalm 51:5

Mary grew up to become a ‘good’ girl who was often loved and boasted of by her teachers and peers. However, Mary would secretly sneak out from the house to go to parties with her boyfriend. She told lies and committed all sorts of sins. She was a sinful churchgoer.

Sin has brought many bad things into the world. It brought sorrow and ruined God’s perfect creation. Man came under a curse. This is the reason we have troubles, affliction, sicknesses, death and many other bad things in the world. Sin is punishment from God from generation to generation.

Sin is dangerous, deadly and attracts severe punishment. Sin is an inborn nature of all humans because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

Sin is a three-lettered word that is very deadly. It can be defined as Satan’s inspired nature. The Bible describes sin as:

• all unrighteousness (1 John 5:17)
• transgression of the law (1 John 3:4)
• neglect of opportunity to act right (James 4:17)
• act of unbelief (Romans 14:23)
• refusal to accept Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour.

Human beings are created in God’s image. They are basically good morally and have a conscience that guides them to choose whether to do good or bad. When a boy or girl does anything that is contrary to God’s Word, that child becomes a sinner and therefore is guilty before God. This is the nature we inherited from Adam and Eve (Psalm 51:5).

Sin makes a child do wrong things like lying, fighting, being stubborn, keeping immoral relationships, stealing, cheating, witchcraft, idol worship and many others. Sin originates from Satan; anyone who commits sin is a servant of Satan. Do not remain in sin, because the end of sinners is hell fire.

2. SEVERE CONSEQUENCES FOR SIN

Romans 3:1-8, 23; 6:23a; Genesis 2:17; James 1:15

Sin has brought sorrow and ruined God’s perfect creation. The consequences include:

(a) Adam and Eve were driven away from the beautiful garden to till the ground (Genesis 3:16-24).

(b) The people of Noah’s time were destroyed by the flood (Genesis 6:5-7).

(c) Sodom and Gomorrah were also overthrown and burnt with fire (Genesis 19:24-26).

(d) Achan and many other people died prematurely and went to hell fire (Joshua 7:24-26).

Even now, sin still causes destruction in the world. God hates sin. The final judgment of God will soon come upon disobedient and wicked children. There is a way of escape for boys and girls who will repent and turn from their sinful ways.

3. SALVATION FROM SIN THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

Romans 3:21-31; Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 1:18; John 3:16-18; 1 John 1:7-9

The children of Israel thought that their self-righteousness could save them from sin. They did not know that God had provided the perfect solution and cure to all sins.

No matter how sinful you are, God loves you and He has made provision for you to be saved. Jesus is the only way out (Matthew 1:21; John 14:6). He died on the cross to bring solution to the problem of sin. Faith in Christ will connect you to your freedom.

All you need do is:

1. Realise that you are a sinner.

2. Confess your sins to God.

3. Repent totally of those sins.

4. Ask for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus.

5. Believe that God has forgiven you.

6. Ask Jesus into your heart to rule as your personal Saviour and Lord.

After taking these steps, be determined to continue with Christ through daily prayer, Bible reading and fellowship. Separate yourself from all sinful influence and tell others about Jesus.

QUESTIONS

1. What is sin?

2. Mention five bad things that children do.

3. What did sin do to:

(i) Adam and Eve?

(ii) The people in Noah’s time?

(iii) Sodom and Gomorrah?

(iv) Our present world?

4. Mention three things that sin has brought to man.

5. (a) What is the way to heaven? (b) How can a sinful child be saved from his sin?

LESSON

All sinful boys and girls are guilty before God.

THOUGHT

I must run to Jesus to be saved from sin.

CHORUSES

1. One day be one day.

HOMEWORK

Children are to go out during the week to preach the gospel and warn sinners of the danger of sin.

SONG

GHS 124 – SINFUL MEN

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:

1. Affliction

2. Effect

3. Overthrow

4. Originate

5. Premature