Date: September 21, 2025
The Greatest Sin
The Point: The greatest sin is never trusting Jesus.
Get Into the Study
After discussing Question #1, read the following:
If you grew up in the 80’s-early 2000’s, you know who Bill Cosby is. Famous for his show, “The Cosby Show,” he had everything going for him—a hit TV show, lots of fans, a great family, and wealth. He embodied the “every dad,” the dad that everyone wanted to have as their father. His fictitious family was one that real families aspired to be like, with a home that everyone in the neighborhood wanted to stop by and visit. This wasn’t just a show, but a time for parents and children to come together and watch TV as a family after a long day. He was a cultural icon.
Then in 2005, it came as a huge shock to see the great entertainer, Bill Cosby, accused of sexual assault. People were dismayed as the truth slowly began to come out – and that was the beginning of the end for the famous man. He fell out of grace with his fans, his family and even the production companies.
As Christians, we never want to fall out of grace with God. He is our Heavenly Father, and offers salvation through His Son, Jesus. In this lesson, we will talk about the greatest sin – that of never trusting Jesus.
Where Is Bill Cosby Now? Inside ‘The Cosby Show’ Star’s Life After Prison
Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip showing a controversial person or group from history. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Matthew 12:24-29
Read before discussing Question #3:
In modern day, a prime example of a divided kingdom is the country of Libya. Following the 42 year rule of Muammar Qaddafi, upon his death, the country had its first free election in 2013. Today, there is still much division in how to proceed, including gang violence and technical issues with ballots.
“Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi, Libya has remained split between Tripoli’s UN-recognized government, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and its eastern rival administration backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.” —Arab News, August 15, 2025
With no reconciliation in sight, it is hard to determine if this small country will ever be able to come together for peace and unity. What one population determines as “right,” the other determines as “wrong.”
However, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and it’s only through Him that a country—or a person—can have true peace, reconciliation and unity. The Gospel Message, and Jesus Christ Himself, is still controversial today.
Libya to hold rare local vote in test for divided nation
The week’s writer for Extra is Erika Morrison. Erika is the daughter of missionary parents. She lives in Southwest Michigan, where she serves as the executive director of a human services non-profit, and speaks regularly on poverty culture, and having a relationship with Jesus.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What are some names in our nation’s history that are linked with controversy?
- What seemingly-small thing do you find annoying?
- What are some actions our culture has a hard time forgiving?
Matthew 12:22-23. The work of Christ points to the power of God.
- Why is Jesus even today often considered controversial?
- In what ways has Jesus demonstrated God’s power in your life?
- When have you been surprised or astounded by a display of God’s power?
Matthew 12:24-29. The work of Christ points to the presence of God’s Spirit.
- How should believers respond to attacks on our faith?
- Why do you think the Pharisees were so offended by Jesus helping a demon-possessed man?
- When have you seen our culture call good evil or evil good?
Matthew 12:30-32. Willful and persistent unbelief means there will be no forgiveness.
- Why is it not possible to stay neutral about Jesus?
- Are Jesus’s words about forgiveness comforting, challenging, or concerning to you? Explain.
- How would you describe the unforgiveable sin to others?
Listen to the BSFL Podcast: The Greatest Sin
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
I it possible to include an email option in the “share” feature of the podcast? Until this quarter I was able to click “play in a new window” and copy and paste that URL to my class email.
Hi John, thanks for your comment. You can currently click share and then you’ll see an RSS and a buzzsprout option that you can click on—both both of those options have links you can share. Thanks for following and hope you find that feature helpful. —Ryan
The podcast this week was very helpful in getting ready to teach the lesson about the The Greatest Sin. Thank you for sharing the major points in the pack, which our church does not get. I use the Extra questions but was unable to copy this time for some reason. I was able to copy the articles about Bill Cosby and Libya, but not the questions. Do you have any suggestions as to why I am not able to copy those?
Thanks Karla——we appreciate your comment and for using our resources. We’re glad to hear the podcast is helping you lead. As the the EXTRA questions in the printable version. Well, that’s my fault. I’m sorry the printable version didn’t include the additional questions this week. We’ve already made sure the next session is correct, so you’ll see the discussion questions included in next week’s material. Thank you for your patience! —Ryan
The Printer Friendly file was incomplete and didn’t match the content on this web page as they have in the past. The Extra content has always been a great help when it’s my time to teach. Thanks for all you offer.
Thanks Barbara——I’m sorry the printable version didn’t include the additional questions this week. We’ve already made sure the next session is correct, so you’ll see the discussion questions included in next week’s material. Thank you for your patience!
The printable version doesn’t have the additional questions
Thanks Tom——so much for pointing this out. I’m sorry the printable version didn’t include the additional questions this week. We’ve already made sure the next session is correct, so you’ll see the discussion questions included in next week’s material. Your feedback really helps us serve you and your group better—thank you for your patience!