Clearing Blockages: Embracing the Flow of Grace

Summary

The flow of God’s grace is constant, abundant, and always available, but it is possible for us to hinder or block that flow in our lives. Just as a Faraday bag blocks outside signals from reaching what’s inside, we can allow attitudes, habits, or unresolved issues to block the life-giving grace God intends for us. The analogy of low water pressure or clogged pipes illustrates how the problem is rarely with the supply—God’s grace is never lacking—but with the blockages we permit to accumulate. These blockages can be sin, compromise, bitterness, or even spiritual stagnation when we receive but do not give out.

Scripture calls us to remove every hindrance and lay aside the sin that so easily entangles. We are not passive recipients; we have a role to play in maintaining an open, clear relationship with God. Grace is not just a one-time gift for salvation but the ongoing power that transforms us, teaches us to deny ungodliness, and empowers us to live distinctly from the world. To receive grace in vain is to let it go unused, to allow it to remain a resource that never changes us or bears fruit in our lives.

Bitterness is a particularly insidious blockage. Like a root that grows in the cracks of a sidewalk, it can spring up in the most unexpected places, hardening our hearts and spreading to others. Forgiveness is not just about releasing others; it’s about freeing ourselves from the control of past hurts. The call is to promptly deal with bitterness and offense, allowing God’s grace to flow freely once again.

But grace is not only about separation from the world; it is also about love. We are called to be in the world but not of it, to maintain relationships with those who do not yet know Christ, and to let grace empower us to love our neighbors. Holiness is not a weapon to wield against others but a light to guide them home.

Finally, we must continue in grace, not stalling out or drifting into self-effort or spiritual dryness. Grace is the daily fuel for our journey, and we must be intentional to keep the channels clear—through confession, forgiveness, and a willingness to let God’s Spirit work in us. The world is full of people longing for forgiveness and grace. When we allow God’s river to flow through us, it not only changes others but transforms us as well.

Key Takeaways

- The Flow of Grace Can Be Hindered by Our Choices
God’s grace is always available, but we can block its flow through compromise, sin, or spiritual neglect. Like a clogged pipe or a Faraday bag, we may unintentionally insulate ourselves from the very power meant to transform us. Our role is to identify and remove these hindrances so that grace can flow freely and abundantly in our lives. [07:25]

- Receiving Grace in Vain Means Failing to Let It Transform Us
Grace is not just a ticket to heaven; it is the power to live differently, to stand out from the world, and to bear fruit. When we receive grace but do not allow it to change us—when we blend in with the world or compromise our convictions—we waste the divine resource given to us. True grace both saves and transforms, calling us to a life of purpose and distinction. [18:43]

- Bitterness and Unforgiveness Are Major Blockages
A root of bitterness, even if justified by past hurts, can harden our hearts and spread to others, defiling many. Forgiveness is not about excusing others but about releasing ourselves from the grip of pain and resentment. Promptly dealing with offense and bitterness is essential for maintaining the free flow of God’s love, peace, and joy in our lives. [26:40]

- Grace Empowers Us to Love, Not Just to Separate
While we are called to be distinct from the world, we are also called to love those in it. Holiness is not about isolation or harshness but about being a living example of grace and truth. If our separation leads to pride or a lack of compassion, we have missed the heart of grace, which always seeks to draw others in, not push them away. [29:01]

- Continuing in Grace Is a Daily, Intentional Choice
Grace is not just the starting point of faith but the sustaining power for every day. If we neglect the means of grace—prayer, the Word, fellowship—we risk spiritual dryness and self-reliance. Keeping the channels clear requires ongoing humility, repentance, and a willingness to let God renew and refill us, so that His river of grace can flow through us to a world desperate for forgiveness and hope. [32:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Announcements and Mission Update
[04:01] - Prayer for God’s Word and Presence
[07:25] - Faraday Faith: Removing Spiritual Hindrances
[11:17] - The Problem of Blocked Flow
[13:06] - Spiritual Blockages: Clogged Pipes and Generators
[15:48] - The Dead Sea: Stagnation and Spiritual Flow
[17:18] - Giving Out: Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
[18:43] - Receiving Grace in Vain
[23:02] - The Power of Relationships and Influence
[25:15] - Bitterness: The Root That Blocks Grace
[26:40] - Forgiveness: Releasing Ourselves from Hurt
[29:01] - Grace Empowers Us to Love
[30:38] - Continuing in Grace
[32:27] - Daily Grace: Keeping the Channel Clear
[33:59] - Renovation Analogy: Clearing Out the Old
[35:08] - The Story of Paco: The World’s Hunger for Grace
[36:06] - Clearing the Pipe: A Call to Respond
[36:57] - Invitation to Receive Grace and Forgiveness
[37:34] - Prayer of Salvation and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Letting God’s Grace Flow Freely

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### Bible Reading

Romans 5:2 (ESV)
> Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Hebrews 12:1, 15 (ESV)
> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...
> See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)
> Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 5:2, how do we gain access to God’s grace, and what is our response supposed to be?
2. In Hebrews 12:1, what are the things we are told to “lay aside,” and why do you think the writer uses the image of running a race?
3. The sermon compared God’s grace to a river and our lives to pipes that can get clogged. What are some of the “blockages” mentioned that can hinder the flow of grace? ([13:06])
4. What does it mean, according to 2 Corinthians 6:1, to “receive the grace of God in vain”? ([18:43])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God’s grace is always available, but we can block its flow. What does this suggest about our role in our relationship with God? ([07:25])
2. Why is bitterness described as a “root” that can defile many, and how does this relate to the way we interact with others in the church? ([25:15])
3. The pastor said that grace is not just for salvation but for daily living and transformation. How does this challenge the idea that grace is only about being forgiven? ([18:43])
4. The message talked about being “in the world but not of it.” How can grace help us love people who don’t know Christ without compromising our faith? ([29:01])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon used the image of a Faraday bag blocking signals and compared it to how we can block God’s grace. Is there an attitude, habit, or unresolved issue in your life that might be blocking God’s grace right now? What would it look like to “remove the blockage”? ([07:25])
2. The pastor shared that bitterness is like “drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” Is there someone you need to forgive—not for their sake, but for your own freedom? What is one step you could take this week toward releasing that bitterness? ([26:40])
3. The Dead Sea was used as an example of spiritual stagnation—receiving but never giving out. Are there ways you’ve been “receiving” from God or church but not “giving out”? What is one way you could let God’s grace flow through you to someone else this week? ([15:48])
4. The sermon said that “grace empowers us to love, not just to separate.” Do you have relationships with people who don’t know Jesus? How can you be intentional about showing them grace and love without compromising your convictions? ([29:01])
5. The message challenged us to keep the “channels clear” through confession, forgiveness, and letting God’s Spirit work in us. What is one spiritual practice (prayer, Bible reading, confession, etc.) you want to be more intentional about this week to keep your relationship with God open and fresh? ([32:27])
6. The story of Paco showed that the world is hungry for forgiveness and grace. Who in your life might be longing for a message of grace or reconciliation? How could you reach out to them this week? ([35:08])
7. The pastor said, “Grace that doesn’t change you hasn’t truly reached you.” In what area of your life do you most want to see God’s grace bring real change? What’s one step you can take to cooperate with God in that area? ([18:43])

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Devotional

Day 1: Remove Hindrances to the Flow of Grace
God’s grace is always flowing abundantly, but sometimes we allow things in our lives—like sin, compromise, or distractions—that act as blockages, hindering the free flow of His blessing and presence. Just as a clogged pipe restricts water, spiritual blockages can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace, even though the supply is never lacking. The call is to examine our hearts and lives, to identify and remove anything that might be restricting the flow, so that we can stand in the fullness of His grace and rejoice in the hope of His glory. [07:25]

Romans 5:2 (ESV)
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense a blockage or hindrance to God’s grace—perhaps a habit, attitude, or relationship—and how can you begin to surrender it to Him today?


Day 2: Don’t Receive God’s Grace in Vain
God’s grace is a divine resource given not just to save us, but to transform us and empower us to live differently from the world. To receive grace in vain means to let it go unused, to blend in with the world’s values, or to compromise in ways that keep us from bearing fruit. We are called to be distinct, to come out from among the world’s influences, and to allow grace to shape our character and actions, not just our beliefs. Grace that doesn’t change us hasn’t truly reached us; let’s not waste what God has so freely given. [18:43]

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)
"Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain."

Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you are blending in with the world instead of standing out for Christ? What is one step you can take today to let God’s grace transform that area?


Day 3: Bitterness Blocks the Flow of Grace
Bitterness is like spiritual cholesterol, slowly building up and hardening the heart, blocking the flow of God’s love, peace, and joy. Even if our hurt feels justified, holding onto bitterness only poisons us and can spread to others, affecting families, friendships, and even entire congregations. God calls us to promptly deal with bitterness and offense, to forgive and release, so that His grace can flow freely in and through us. Forgiveness is not just about releasing others—it’s about setting ourselves free from the pain and control of the past. [26:40]

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive or one hurt you need to release today, so that bitterness does not take root and block God’s grace in your life?


Day 4: Grace Empowers Us to Love, Not Just Separate
While we are called to be distinct from the world, grace also empowers us to love our neighbors and engage with those who don’t yet know Christ. True holiness is not about isolation or harshness, but about being filled with the Spirit and living as examples of grace and truth. Jesus was the holiest person in every room, yet sinners wanted to be with Him—our lives should reflect that same balance of conviction and compassion, standing against sin without being unapproachable or unkind. [29:01]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: How can you intentionally show Christ’s love to someone outside your usual circle this week, demonstrating both grace and truth in your interactions?


Day 5: Continue in the Grace of God Every Day
Grace is not just the starting point of the Christian life—it is the daily fuel that keeps us going, empowering us to persevere in faith, relationships, and purpose. If we neglect time in God’s presence, His Word, and fellowship, we can drift into dryness and self-effort, running on spiritual fumes. We need to make space each day for God’s grace to fill and renew us, removing any blockages so that His life can flow through us to others, bringing forgiveness, healing, and hope. [32:27]

Acts 13:43 (ESV)
"And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make space for God’s grace today—through prayer, Scripture, worship, or serving others—so that you don’t run dry but continue to grow in Him?

Quotes

It blocks outside signals from affecting what's inside. Did you get that? So it block it, so it has a role, it's blocking outside interference. Now how many know that that is a good thing when it comes to protecting data security, not being hacked, amen? But it's a bad thing spiritually speaking when it comes to our spirituality and the flow of God's grace in our life. [00:09:46] (27 seconds)  #ProtectTheFlow Edit Clip

Some people will say it's all God, he's the only one, we have no power to change our life, not nothing. I'm like, well, there's a truth to that, but how many know that you had to confess to receive Christ? He didn't make you a Christian, right? You had to receive him in your life, that's a role, you have a choice. [00:10:32] (18 seconds)  #ChoiceInFaith Edit Clip

How many ever tried to take a shower and there's low water pressure? Man, that torques me. And some of you are like, I had one this morning. You know, I just, if I'm in a hotel or whatever, it's like, oh, what's the first thing? I checked the shower. There was one place we were in Sri Lanka, and sometimes you're running that. Sometimes they'll have 220-volt wires that cross right over it. I'm like, okay, can you hold, while I shower, can you hold this end of the broom? Just think, literally, we're up north. I'm like, why are you running? Anyhow, electrical wire, 20-20 volts right across the, so, but there was one in a hotel there in Colombo, and boy, it felt like a waterfall. You turned it on, it was like, I'm like, man, I love this. Staying there all day. [00:11:39] (49 seconds)  #LowPressureFrustration Edit Clip

But sometimes we need to clear the channel. Are you with me this morning? So we can experience it fully again. Whether it's in the valleys, as we talked about the last few weeks, or you're on the mountaintops, no matter what. God's grace is continually flowing. Sometimes there can be a hindrance. [00:15:43] (21 seconds)  #ClearTheChannel Edit Clip

Bitterness is like spiritual cholesterol. It builds up slowly, and it hardens your heart. And once again, it blocks that free flow of love, peace, and joy. Bitterness is like drinking poison, waiting for the other person to die. [00:26:11] (17 seconds)  #ForgivenessFreesYou Edit Clip

What does that tell us? What does that tell us? It tells us the world is filled with people, young and old, who are starving for grace. They're starving, longing for forgiveness. They're desperate to come home. But sometimes the pipe gets clogged through the world, pain and suffering. It gets clogged with resentment, pride, shame, bitterness, fear, hurt, offense. [00:35:52] (29 seconds)  #ClearThePipe Edit Clip

When the pipe is clogged, the river of God's grace can't flow through us or to others. Today, I believe the Holy Spirit is saying, He wants to clear the pipe if you let Him. He wants to clear the pipe. To let that grace flow. Let His presence flow once again. To forgive, to release, to repent, to humble yourself. Whatever it takes, let this holy moment be a moment where it's cleared out. Why? Because someone out there, maybe even someone in this room today is waiting for that one message. All is forgiven, come home. All is forgiven, come home. [00:36:21] (42 seconds)  #FlowingGraceTransforms Edit Clip