Chapter Two

The Motivation of the Gospel

1. Read Luke 7:36-50.

1. In the story of the sinful woman, why is Simon the Pharisee upset?

2. There is a profound difference between the way Simon and the woman treated Jesus. What does this tell us about how they viewed their sinfulness?

3. Thinking back on your last several months, has your attitude toward your sin been more like Simon or the woman? Why?

2. None of us loves Christ the way he deserves to be loved. Genuine love for Christ comes through two important understandings? What are they? (34)

3. How does the story of the sinful woman depict the truth of the first paragraph on page 35? How can you apply this to yourself?

4. Read Isaiah 6:1-5.

1. How does Isaiah respond to seeing the Lord?

2. How does he view himself in light of being in the presence of a Holy God?

5. Put yourself in Isaiah’s place. Do you think you would have responded the way Isaiah did in verse 5? Why or why not?

6. How was Isaiah’s experience similar to that of the sinful woman of Luke 7? What were the three common steps? (36)

7. In light of these three steps, what can you do to grow in your experience of the motivating power of the gospel?

8. Read Philippians 3:4-9.

1. According to verse 6 if Paul’s righteousness was based on following the law, what would he be considered?

2. According to verses 7-9, where does Paul realize his righteousness actually comes from?

9. Read Philippians 3:7-14. Paul renounced his own righteousness and relied solely on the righteousness of Christ. How did that fuel his desire to pursue Christ-likeness and serve God whole-heartedly? (38)

10. Read Romans 12:1.

1. In light of the Gospel message of mercy, how are we to present our bodies?

2. Explain the significance of the expression a living sacrifice. (39)

11. Consider making an application for your life based on Romans 12:1.