Make your own free website on Tripod.com
Man
Week 3
        
Origin
        
Day 1

Learning Goals
You will be able to:
  1. two ways man relates to God
  2. explain what it means that each person is a creation of God at birth and throughout life.
  3. circle three facts about the nature of man.
  4. some of the things that limit man as a creation of God.
  5. three similarities between man and other animals.
  6. explain the theory of Evolution.

A major reason you and I are interested in studying Christian doctrine is that we are concerned
with our relationship to God.
Question 1
Check the correct answer:
        We study Christian doctrine because
( ) We are afraid of God
( ) We are concerned with our relationship to God.
( ) We want to please our pastor.

Science has tried to explain the origin of man. Various theories have been given but they are only
theories without proof. The biblical explanation of man’s origin is as strong as any view.
There are three accounts of creation of man in Genesis. The first one, Genesis 1:27, states the fact of our creation.
The second, Genesis 2:7 reveals the method of creation. The third, Genesis 2: 21-22 gives the account
of the creation of woman. The account of man’s creation is repeated in Genesis 5: 1-2
Question 2
How many accounts of man’s creation are given in the book of Genesis?
( ) one
( ) two
( ) three

Even though the source of man’s origin is stated several times, the method which
God used is not clearly explained. All we know is recorded in Genesis 2:7. Two stages of creation are implied.
First, God made the body from materials that already existed. When scientists examine the human body they find
that natural elements such as iron, copper, and zinc from that physical being.
Question 3
What was the first stage of man’s creation?
( ) He was made from natural elements that God had already created.
( ) He was made from nothing.

The second part of man’s creation is the soul or spiritual nature.
“Then the Lord took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life giving breath
into his nostrils and the man began to live,” Genesis 2:7. This is more than the lower animals have.
God gave humans a special nature. This specials nature results in our relationship to God being different f
rom that of the other animals.
Question 4
What was the second stage of man’s creation?
( ) man was given a soul
( ) man was given a sinful nature.

Scripture consistently teaches that neither the universe nor man came into being by chance.
Man is the result of careful and purposeful deliberation on the part of God.
Adam, the first man, was created in God’s image. Adam is a Hebrew word meaning “man”.

Question 5
What does “Adam” mean?
( ) Man ( ) First ( ) God’s creation

The Bible does not claim to tell us the method God used to create mankind and the universe.
It simply states that God created man and the universe.

God is the creator of a child who is born in a maternity hospital or a rural village home,
just as He was creator of Adam long ago. Not only at birth but throughout our life each person is a creation of God.
This means our existence from one moment to the next rests upon the creative activity of God.
Our relationship to God is that He always sustains our lives.
Question 6
What does it mean that each person is a creation of God at birth and throughout life?
We may not always feel sustained by God. However, our feelings do not affect the relationship.
We may eat, rest, exercise, and take medicine so that we many continue to live but God is still there helping.
Being a creation of God means people are important. Christians proclaim that humans were created
by the special act of God.
We were created in God’s own image and are the crowning work of God’s creation.
We come to this self-flattering image by reading Genesis 1:26-30.
Question 7
What basic description of man is given in Genesis 1:26-30?



Here some basis facts about mankind should be noted. Our body is made from natural elements.
Second, our physical life is similar to all animal life in that we need air and food. We grow old and die.
Third as a living soul we are made in the image of God.
Question 8
List three facts about the nature of humans.
a.
b.
c.
As creations of God we are limited and finite. We are not our own makers. Our lives had a beginning
and they will have an end. There are limits to what we can understand, feel, and achieve. Because of our finitude,
there are times in our lives when we are powerless to change bad situations. We are products of the time
and country in which we live. We are affected by the history which preceded us and by the forces
which whirl around us. As creations of God we have real limitations.
Question 9
List some of the things that limit humans as a creation of God


Humans are unique. However, we also have some things in common with other living creatures.
Other animals have primitive social organizations similar to our social structure. They also communicate, as do we,
with signs and sounds. They have primitive feelings, such as anger and fear. What other similarities between
man and other animals are there?
Question 10
Circle three similarities between humans and other animals.
  1. Humans and animals both have souls.
  2. Humans and animals both have feelings, such as anger and fear.
  3. Humans and animals both have creative abilities.
  4. Humans and animals both have the ability to communicate with signs and sounds.
  5. Humans and animals both have social organizations.

Some Christians are threatened by our similarities with animal. However the important thing
is not how we are similar to other animals but how we are different. This is why the controversies about evolution are misleading.

The theory of evolution was popularized by Charles Darwin in 1859. Darwin explained
the existence of humans as part of a natural process of evolution which he called “natural selection”.
He claimed humans can trace their origin to the most primitive life forms, which had their beginning in the warm mud
of the ocean’s shores billions of years ago. These life forms gradually became more complex.
This process continued until the sea and land became filled with many types of animals.
Man was the last animal to appear according to Darwin.
Question 11
Explain the theory of Evolution



Much of Darwin’s theory has been proven to be wrong. However, the fact that humans may have had lowly origins
does not prove that mankind was not made in God’s image. The Bible speaks of man being made from dust.
The physical origin of all people is modest. Each of us began as the union of two tiny cells in our mother’s body. That is not a grand beginning. However, it does not change the fact that we become much more than two cells.
The image of God is what sets us apart from other creations. Humans have freedom to make decisions.
There are limitations to our choices. We can not choose to do some things. For instance, I can not jump over a house.
There are also certain things I can not believe and consider myself sane. I can not believe I am the only English speaking
person in the world.

As free men and women, we are responsible for the decisions we make.
We are to be commended for good decisions and we are guilty for bad decisions. If we did not have freedom then we would
not be responsible for our actions.
Question 12
Why are we responsible for our actions?
( ) God has predetermined if we will go to heaven or hell.
( ) We have free will to make good or bad decisions

Freedom is a frightening thing and many people seek to evade it. We talk about wanting freedom
but try to escape its consequences. We do not want to be held accountable for our actions.
Question 13
Why do we want to escape the consequences of freedom?


Man
Week 3         Sin         Day 2
Learning Goals
You will be able to:
  1. discuss the origin of sin.
    2. tell the difference in temptation and sin
    3. give three biblical meanings of sin

When God created humans He intended for us to live forever.
After Adam sinned, we became subject to death.
Our bodies decay and return to the natural elements. Our soul lives forever.
Question 1
What changes came about in humanities life because of sin?

We were created in a state of innocence. As a result, we were able to exercise choice.
We could choose righteousness or sin.
Question 2
Why were we able to choose righteousness or sin?


Sin is defined as rebellion against God’s will. The root of sin is selfishness. Sin came into being
when Adam and Eve decided they would follow their own desires rather than the desires of God.

Question 3
Underline the correct answer
  1. is defined as not praying.
  2. is defined as rebellion against God.
  3. is defined as not being sorry for evil actions

Look at the sin in your life. Why does it exist? Is it because you want to profit self?
Sin is rebellion against God.
Question 4
List some of the sins in your life. No one else will see this. Why do these sins exist?
Is it because you want to profit self?


When mankind sinned, he/she separated himself/herself from God. Sin separated humans from God.
Then as our own protectors, we discovered that we were subject to the misfortunes and pains of life.

Question 5
In what did man’s sin result?
  ( ) freedom ( ) misfortunes and pain ( ) fun and good times
God despised our sin; but loved us enough to allow us to choose our own way.
However, when God say the misfortunes and pain brought on by sin, He did not abandon us. His love is shown
in the fact that Jesus died and rose to save us.
Question 6
Why did God allow us to sin?
( ) He was not strong enough to stop us from sinning.
( ) He loved us enough to allow us to choose our own way.
( ) He decided that sin was not really important.

Genesis 1:30 says, “God saw all He had made and it was very good.”
Man is good because he is a creation of God. However, mankind has chosen sin. These two relationships with God
cause mankind to have conflicts in life. Humans use their freedom to make choices that are contrary to God’s purpose.
This personal choice to do evil is sins—murder, theft, lying, cheating, adultery.
Sins are the acts that separate man from God.
Question 7
List some sins that humans commit.


There is also an evil that does not arise from any identifiable human decision. It consists of the problems that are built
into our being, nature and the world. No one seems to be responsible but things are still in terrible shape.
These problems are called Sin. Sin constitutes problems that are not our own choice—disease, earthquakes, floods.
Sometimes even when our intentions are good our acts bring disaster. Sometimes we want to do good but some force
compels us to do evil. Paul states in Romans 7:19, For what I do is not the good I want to do;
no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Question 8
Explain the difference between sin and sins.


Sin is a wrong relationship with God It is a rejection of God’s power and authority.. It is selfishness.
Sin leads to wrong doing. In God’s plan, men are not to wrong one another. We are to help one another.

Biblical meanings of sin
The biblical meaning of sin is “missing the mark”. A good illustration of this is Judges 20:16.
Seven hundred left handed Benjamites were said to be able to sling a stone at a hairs width and not miss.
The world translated “miss” is the same as the word “sin”.
This provides us with a picture of what sin is.
Question 9
Give the biblical meaning of sin as expressed in Judges 20:16
( ) to miss the mark
( ) doing bad things
( ) thinking bad thoughts

The idea of missing the mark corresponds with the Psalmist’s confession, “
I have gone astray like a lost sheep (Psalm 119:176).
Question 10
How does Psalm 119:176 confirm the idea that sin is missing the mark?


The Bible also describes sin as ‘rebellion”. Men are alienated from God, and they have become
enemies of God. “At one time you were far away from God and were His enemies because of the evil things
you did and thought”. Colossians 1:21.
Question 11
In what does the sin of rebellion result?


God despised our sin. However, He loved us enough to allow us to choose our own way.
This does not mean He abandoned us. His love is shown in the fact that Jesus died and rose to save us.




Question 12
Check the correct answer:
God responded to our sin by ( ) ignoring our sin
          ( ) sending Jesus to die and be resurrected
          ( ) sending us to Hell

Genesis 1:30 says, “God saw all He had made and it was very good.” Humans are good because
we are a creation of God; but humans chose sin. These two relationships with God cause us to have conflicts in life.
Question 13
What to relationships with God cause humans to have conflict in life?


Humans use freedom to make choices that are contrary to God’s purpose. This personal choice to do evil is sin.
The evil acts man commits are sins—murder, theft, lying, adultery, homosexuality.
Question 14
Answer the following questions true or false
  1. is a personal choice to do evil.
  2. are the evil acts individual commit—murder, theft, lying adultery-which separate us from God.

The Bible also describes sin as rebellion. We are alienated from God and have become
enemies of God according to Colossians 1:21.
Question 15
Does sin make mankind an enemy of God? ______ yes _______ no

A third word is often translated iniquity. It means crookedness, perversion, or distortion. It is the opposite of being
straight or upright. It indicates what was straight but has become bent and twisted. Iniquity describes the effect sin
has on each individual (Genesis 8:21, Psalm 58:3, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 51:5).
Question 16
Define iniquity. What does it say about the sin of each individual?



In Psalm 32:1-2, all three of these important words are found together. “Happy are those whose sins (missing the mark)
are forgiven, whose wrongs (law-breaking) are pardoned. Happy is the man whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong
and who is free from all deceit (crookedness).

Question 17
What three definitions of sin are given in Psalm 32:1-2?
        1.
        2.
        3.

Psalm 51:4 reminds us that sin is not just breaking the rules. It is a personal offence against God.
Question 18
Who are we sinning against when we break the rules?
        ( ) The Government
        ( ) Other Men
        ( ) God

You could have answered all three. However, the Bible says when we break the rules our sin is
first against God then those who we wronged her on earth.


Man
Week 3 Physical Vs Spiritual Day 3

Learning Goals
        You will be able to:
    1 list three functions of the physical body.
    2 describe three things that harm spiritual growth.
        3 list ways the physical body can be used for spiritual
good.
    4 identify five characteristics. of the spiritual body.

The Christian does not leave the physical world when he takes on a spiritual body. Paul refers to
our physical bodies as “jars of clay”. II Corinthians states, “We have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

The physical body can and does affect the development of our spiritual life. The physical body
performs a three-fold function in human personality. Personality is the way we react and think.
  1. Identification—The body gives us a recognizable form and identity. We can tell our mother from our father
    because they look different.
  2. Communication—The body allows us to relate to each other through words and action. We can talk
    because we have a body. We can laugh because we have a body. We can make love because we have a body.
  3. Participation—It is trough the body that we reach to life. We experience pleasure or pain through the physical body.
Question 1
Define Personality

Question 2
List one way other people identify you.
List one way you communicate
List one way you react to life.

The Bible says the physical body was created “good”. The flesh is not evil.
However, the physical body is weak and mortal (I Corinthians 15:53, II Corinthians 4:11). That our bodies are mortal means
the physical will die.

Question 3
True or False
The flesh must die because it is born evil. _____ True _______ False
Our sinful nature harms the physical body and affects the development of our spiritual body. ______ True _______ False

Question 4
List some sins that harm the physical body and affect the development of the spiritual body.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Even with its sinful nature, the physical body can be used by the Holy spirit (Romans 6:12).



Question 5
List some ways the physical body can be used for good.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

It is important to remember the body was created for good. We can control our sinful nature
with Christ’s help. People have tried self-torture, mutilation, and hiding away from the world in an attempt to bring
the body under control. With Jesus, none of these methods are necessary. We can use the physical body for spiritual good.
The physical body will be tempted. The physical body can dominate the spiritual body if we are not
seeking God’s will in our lives.

First Corinthians 15:44 tells us we not only have a physical body but a spiritual body also.
The physical body will be changed into a spiritual body after death. Since Jesus’ disciples and may others
recognized Him in His spiritual body we believe our spiritual bodies will be recognizable to others.

Scriptures where Jesus was recognized by others after the crucifixion and resurrection follow:
1. His Appearance to Mary Magdalene
Mark 16:9 (NASB) [Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene,
from whom He had cast out seven demons.
2. His Appearance to A Group of Women between the Tomb and the City
Matt 28:9 (NASB) And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet
and worshiped Him.
3. His Appearance to Two Disciples on Their Way to Emmaus
Luke 24:15 (NASB) And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached,
and [began] traveling with them.
4. His Appearance to Simon
Luke 24:34 (NASB) saying, "The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon." 5. His Appearance To A Group Of Disciples
Luke 24:36 (NASB) And while they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst.
6. His Appearance A Week Later To Disciples Behind Closed Doors
John 20:26 (NASB) And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came,
the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, "Peace [be] with you."
7. His Appearance By The Sea Of Tiberius
John 21:1 (NASB) After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius,
and He manifested [Himself] in this way.
8. His Appearance To More Than Five Hundred At The Same Time
1Cor 15:6 (NASB) After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain
until now, but some have fallen asleep;
9. His Appearance To James
1Cor 15:7 (NASB) then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;
10. His Appearance To The Eleven On A Mountain in Galilee
Matt 28:18 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
11. His Appearance In The Vicinity Of Bethany
Luke 24:50-51 (NASB) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 And it came about that while He was blessing them, He parted from them.
12. His Appearance To Paul
1Cor 15:8 (NASB) and last of all, as it were to one untimely born, He appeared to me also
Question 6
The spiritual body has at least five characteristics. Match these characteristics with the Scripture that describes them.

Romans 6:13           Sacrifice dedicated to God
I Corinthians 6:19         Used for righteous purposes
Romans 12:1           Part of the body of Christ
II Corinthians 4:7         Temple of the Holy Spirit
I Corinthians 6:16         Shows God’s power

Spiritual maturity comes only with daily effort. When you present your body to God it will glorify God. Then we will be able
to grow and mature in your walk with Christ Jesus.

Man
Week 3         Death       Day 4
Learning Goals
        You will be able to:
    1. how children, teenagers, adults and old people view death.
    2. how Jesus viewed death.
    3. where death receives its power.
    4. defeat Death.

“IF A MAN DIES, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?” The perplexing question of Job 14:14
continues to plague us even today. Since the beginning of recorded history mankind has worried about dying.
We have many questions about death: Is death the end of my life? How can I die with so many hopes and dreams unfulfilled?
What if I end not with a shout of happiness but a whimper of fear?

We all know that death is a part of the life cycle. It is the inevitable outcome of our birth.
It brings an end to a person’s life story. Since from early childhood we are aware of our coming death,
we are influenced by it in our development.

Death has a different meaning and impact on a person at different periods of life.
A child usually becomes aware of death as the end of life at around four or five years of age. The child is concerned
and fears that his mother will die. This fear arouses as much anxiety as his or her own death. It is the fear of being alone
that makes a child fear death.

During the teen years, most adolescences have a need to challenge death.
They want to prove to themselves that death is a long way off and need not be feared.

With marriage and parenthood, a individual’s concern over death moves beyond self.
A father or mother is concerned over what will happen to their spouse or children if they should be left alone.
Parents are ready to give up their lives to protect their children.

Older people have usually thought about death and expect it. They do not want to die
but they know they ill die soon.

Question 1
Match the ages and their attitude toward death:
4-5 year olds         Willing to die for others
  Teenagers         Fear being alone
  Parents/Married People   Challenge death
  Old People         Know death is close
Death does not come to us in a sudden surprise attack. It has accompanied us throughout our days.
We are aware of how frail we are and that death can claim us at any time. As we pass cemeteries and face danger,
we are reminded of our own death.

Since mankind is so concerned and worried about death, we would expect Jesus to lecture
in great detail on the subject. However, there is no passage in the Synoptic Gospels in which He lectures on the subject.
The questions that we ask about death did not seem important to Him.

It is possible to understand Jesus’ attitude on death from several other passages
whose chief subjects were other areas but involved death. This is evidence in the Gospels that Jesus saw death
as a terrible and serious event. He appealed to God for comfort and strength when His own death appeared to be imminent.
He knew death as an enemy to be overcome through God. The Gospels record His desire to not be crucified if there was
any other way to pay for the sins of mankind. He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father,
if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." (Matthew 26:42)
Question 2
How did Jesus view death?
( ) a friend        ( ) an enemy to be overcome through God ( ) a door to heaven

Jesus reaction to His own death was not cowardly but realistic. To fear death is sensible.
It is also intelligent to prepare for it. Jesus saw death as an enemy which would be overcome through His relationship
with the Father. Jesus’ triumph is the assurance of victory over death for those who place their faith in Him.
Because Jesus died and was resurrected, we will be able to face death knowing that we too will be resurrected.
Question 3
What was Jesus’ reaction to His own death?
( ) cowardly   ( ) happiness ( ) realistic

Question 4
Because Jesus died and was resurrected, we will be able to _____________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

The Apostle Paul also understood death as an enemy who receives its power from sin.
Death is the victor if the individual does not request the help of God in Jesus. Paul states that Jesus’ resurrection is
man’s only hope of victory over death (I Corinthians 15:22).

Question 5
Death receives its power from:
( ) man’s sinfulness ( ) weak bodies ( ) not eating correctly

Paul realized that as soon as a child is born, he or she begins the journey toward the grave.
With war, road accidents, disease, natural catastrophes, and murder death is busy claiming the physical body.
If death causes the grave to be our last home then we are a most miserable lot without any hope.
However, that is not the promise of God. Paul reassures us that when death calls we must go.
However it is not to an empty grave
(II Corinthians 5:6-9)
Question 6
Read II Corinthians 5: 6-9. If a Christian does not stay in the grave when he or she dies, where does he or she go?