Good people should go to heaven, if there is a heaven. Not only do we believe this, but most of us also have no hesitation believing that we are good people. However, closer examination idea reveals that this idea is basically unworkable. This message explains why no one can get to heaven by being good enough, and shows how the Bible provides a better—and workable—alternative. 

1. Why do we instinctively prefer a salvation that is based on merit? In what ways do you still find yourself slipping back into a merit-based religion in your practice of Christianity?

2. What are the dangers of subscribing to a merit-based salvation? How do you think it will shape the way you view God and others?

3. How does a salvation based on grace (Christ’s merit) provide us with a truly secure hope in life, as well as a superior motivation for good behaviour ? How are you increasingly internalising and applying this truth?

In the first message, we looked at why salvation can only be received freely as a gift of grace rather than something we earn. However, most of us do not think we are so bad that we need to be saved. In this message, we will look at why we are far more sinful than we think, but thankfully, God loves us far more deeply than we can imagine.

1. How do you personally feel about the wrath of God? Why is it important to reflect on how fearsome God’s wrath is?

2. In what ways have you chosen to live selfishly, and what excuses have you given for justifying yourself?

3. What are the good things in your life that you are most prone to turn into false gods? What must you do so that you can enjoy them without engaging in idolatry?

All of us have experienced the inner conflict of doing what we know to be wrong, as well as failing to do what we know is right. Religions and rules might give us some help in our struggle to be good, but the truth is they only regulate our behaviour superficially and outwardly. In this message, we look at how Christianity alone can help us to grow in genuine goodness from the inside out.

1. Share some areas of your life in which you can identify with the fierce conflict between the desire for sin and righteousness that Paul describes.

2. How much of your obedience is driven by fear, guilt or pride? Why is such motivation never truly good? How can you keep going back to the right reason for obeying God?

3. What have you learnt from this sermon about how (and how not) to fight the war against sin? What practical steps will you take to be continually filled with the Spirit?