Embracing Grace: Freedom from Legalism
Summary
In today's message, we embarked on a journey through the book of Galatians, focusing on the theme "Given, Not Earned." This series aims to guide us towards Good Friday and Easter, beginning with a call to say goodbye to legalism. We explored the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he expresses astonishment at how quickly the church was turning away from the true gospel of grace to a distorted version that emphasized works and legalistic practices. Paul reminds us that the gospel is about grace, not about adhering to a set of rules or earning salvation through our deeds.
Reflecting on my own journey, I shared the transformative moment when I first encountered Jesus and the joy that filled my heart. However, as I became more involved in church life, I encountered a version of Christianity that felt more like a list of do's and don'ts, leading to confusion and disillusionment. This experience mirrors the situation in Galatia, where false teachers were promoting a gospel that combined faith with works, undermining the true message of grace.
Grace, as we discussed, is the unmerited favor of God. It is a gift that cannot be earned or lost through our actions. It is a divine influence that transforms us and leads us to salvation. We are reminded that our salvation is not based on our works but on grace through faith. This understanding should lead us to rest in God's grace, allowing it to guide us into good works as a response to His love, not as a means to earn His favor.
We also touched on the dangers of legalism, which focuses on outward appearances and human approval rather than a genuine relationship with God. Legalism can rob us of the joy and freedom found in Christ, turning our faith into a performance rather than a transformative journey. Instead, we are called to embrace the grace of God, which allows us to be authentic and vulnerable, acknowledging our brokenness and relying on His love and mercy.
As we continue this series, let us strive to understand and live out the true gospel of grace, allowing it to transform our lives and lead us into a deeper relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The True Gospel of Grace: The gospel is a message of grace, not legalism. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, freely given to us despite our unworthiness. It cannot be earned or lost through our actions. Understanding this frees us from the burden of trying to earn salvation through works. [17:04]
- The Dangers of Legalism: Legalism focuses on outward appearances and human approval, turning faith into a performance. It can rob us of the joy and freedom found in Christ. We must guard against legalism and embrace the transformative power of grace in our lives. [19:28]
- Resting in God's Grace: Our salvation is based on grace through faith, not on our works. We are called to rest in God's grace, allowing it to guide us into good works as a response to His love, not as a means to earn His favor. This understanding brings joy and peace to our spiritual journey. [24:01]
- Authenticity in Faith: Christianity is not about pretending or performing. It is okay to be broken and not have it all together. Embracing our vulnerability allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and love, leading to genuine transformation. [31:14]
- God's Unconditional Love: God's love for us is unconditional and not based on our performance. Like a loving parent, He cares for us regardless of our mistakes. Embracing this love and grace changes the trajectory of our spiritual lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. [41:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to the Series
- [02:30] - Reading from Galatians
- [04:15] - Personal Reflection on Salvation
- [06:28] - Encountering Jesus for the First Time
- [10:00] - The Shift to Legalism
- [13:45] - Understanding Grace
- [17:04] - The True Gospel of Grace
- [19:28] - The Dangers of Legalism
- [24:01] - Resting in God's Grace
- [27:23] - The Reality of Legalism in the Church
- [31:14] - Authenticity in Faith
- [35:00] - Embracing God's Unconditional Love
- [41:10] - The Love of a Parent
- [44:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Given, Not Earned"
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 1:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main issue Paul addressed in his letter to the Galatians, and why was he astonished by their actions? [06:28]
2. How did the pastor describe his initial experience with Christianity, and what led to his disillusionment? [06:28]
3. What are some characteristics of legalism as discussed in the sermon, and how does it contrast with the true gospel of grace? [19:28]
4. How did the pastor illustrate the concept of grace using the story of the thief on the cross? [24:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think Paul was so direct and stern in his letter to the Galatians compared to his other epistles? What does this reveal about the seriousness of the issue at hand? [06:28]
2. How does the pastor's personal story of encountering legalism reflect the experiences of the Galatians, and what can we learn from it about the dangers of legalism? [06:28]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that legalism can rob believers of joy and freedom in Christ? How does this align with Paul's message in Galatians? [19:28]
4. How does the pastor's analogy of a parent's unconditional love help us understand God's grace and love for us? [41:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you ever experienced a shift from grace to legalism? How did it affect your relationship with God and others? [06:28]
2. The pastor mentioned feeling disillusioned by a version of Christianity that was more about rules than grace. Have you ever felt similarly? How can you ensure your faith is rooted in grace rather than legalism? [06:28]
3. How can you guard against legalism in your own life and in your church community? What practical steps can you take to embrace and promote the true gospel of grace? [19:28]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of resting in God's grace. What does resting in grace look like for you personally, and how can it transform your spiritual journey? [24:01]
5. Consider the analogy of a parent's unconditional love. How can this understanding of God's love impact the way you view yourself and others in your faith community? [41:10]
6. The pastor shared his struggle with feeling unworthy of preaching the gospel. Have you ever felt unworthy in your spiritual walk? How can embracing God's grace help you overcome these feelings? [19:28]
7. How can you cultivate authenticity in your faith, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open about your struggles while relying on God's grace for transformation? [31:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Over Legalism
The gospel of grace is a profound message that liberates believers from the burden of legalism. Legalism, which emphasizes adherence to rules and human approval, distorts the true essence of the gospel. Instead of focusing on outward appearances and performances, the gospel invites us to embrace the unmerited favor of God. Grace is a gift that cannot be earned or lost through our actions. It is through grace that we find freedom and joy in our spiritual journey, as it assures us that our salvation is not dependent on our deeds but on faith in Christ. [17:04]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for approval or validation? How can you shift your focus to rest in the grace of God today?
Day 2: The Trap of Legalism
Legalism can subtly infiltrate our faith, turning it into a performance rather than a genuine relationship with God. It emphasizes outward appearances and human approval, robbing us of the joy and freedom found in Christ. The danger of legalism lies in its ability to make us feel like we must earn God's favor through our actions. However, the true gospel calls us to embrace grace, which transforms us from the inside out. By recognizing the dangers of legalism, we can guard our hearts and allow grace to lead us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. [19:28]
Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV): "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch'... These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform to religious expectations. How can you embrace the freedom of grace in that area today?
Day 3: Resting in Grace
Our salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not something we earn through our works. This understanding invites us to rest in God's grace, allowing it to guide us into good works as a response to His love. When we rest in grace, we experience joy and peace in our spiritual journey, knowing that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His unconditional love. This perspective shifts our focus from striving to resting, from performing to being transformed by His grace. [24:01]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to rest in God's grace? How can you intentionally choose to trust in His grace today?
Day 4: Authenticity in Faith
Christianity is not about pretending or performing; it is about being authentic and vulnerable before God. Embracing our brokenness allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and love, leading to genuine transformation. When we let go of the need to have it all together, we open ourselves to the transformative power of grace. This authenticity in faith invites us to rely on God's love and mercy, acknowledging that we are a work in progress and that His grace is sufficient for us. [31:14]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself pretending or performing in your faith? How can you embrace authenticity and vulnerability in your relationship with God today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Unconditional Love
God's love for us is unconditional and not based on our performance. Like a loving parent, He cares for us regardless of our mistakes. Embracing this love and grace changes the trajectory of our spiritual lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. When we understand that God's love is not something we earn, we are freed from the pressure to perform and can rest in the assurance of His unwavering love. This understanding invites us to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that we are deeply loved and accepted by God. [41:10]
1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
Reflection: How does understanding God's unconditional love change the way you view yourself and your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to embrace this love more fully in your daily life?
Quotes
"Verse 6 says this, I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ, and that you are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion, and they're trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preach to you, let them be under God's curse." [00:02:13] (28 seconds)
"Father, I pray that your word today would do what it does best, and that's reap a harvest in our lives, meaning that it's going to add some value and do something within us. And I pray that today that no matter where we are at on this journey of life, Christianity, faith, we're new to the church, we hate the church, we believe in God, we don't believe in God, whatever it is, I pray that just for a few minutes that we would disarm ourselves, set everything aside, all preconceived notions, distractions, so we might possibly be able to hear from you and maybe see you a little bit more clearly and give us maybe some understanding in specific areas or area of our lives." [00:03:19] (34 seconds)
"Maybe it was that church that you first went to. The church that you got invited to. The church that you heard the pastor preach a message and it touched your heart in such a way. And you recognize that it was not the pastor's words, but it was the Holy Spirit beckoning you and calling you into the deep that led you to say yes to him maybe for some of you it was in this church where hey you said yes to Jesus we made the invitation you believed in your heart and you confessed with your mouth and you said yes to him." [00:06:11] (32 seconds)
"The more I started to surround myself with Christian people the more I started to surround myself with other believers I quickly realized that the Jesus that I said yes to was really not the Jesus that they were showing me because they would tell me things oh we don't do this as a Christian and we don't do that as a Christian and we don't say this and we don't say that and we don't hang out with these kinds of people and this is how you are to conduct yourself and if you're gonna be the president of the Bible Club you can't talk about these things and I just began to be confused." [00:12:58] (37 seconds)
"Instead of them being able to walk in the freedom of the grace that God has given us, in the freedom of the mercy that he has given us, they now are back to following rules and regulations. And I have to do this to be saved. And if I don't do that, I'm not saved. And I have to do this and I don't do that. And some of you have come from churches like that. Oh, some of you have struggled because you have given your spiritual birth into legalistic institutions and where if some man is not wearing a suit or if someone is not reciting X amount of prayers or if someone has a tattoo or if you are going to hell, if you don't wear a skirt, if you don't do this, if you don't prophesy with a veil, then you must not be saved." [00:15:13] (41 seconds)
"Grace is unmerited favor of God, meaning you didn't do anything to get it. You didn't do anything to deserve it. And you cannot do anything to lose it. And you cannot do anything to gain more of it. You don't deserve it. He just gives it to you, which is freely given to those who have sinned. Here's a prerequisite to God's grace. Be a sinner. That's the only time where you win for being bad." [00:16:35] (24 seconds)
"When you sin and you are, walk outside of the confines of scripture, it does not mean that you are going to hell and that you have to figure out a way to pay the penalty of your sin. He paid the penalty of your sin. All you have to do is ask for forgiveness and repent, turn and go in a different direction. Some of you right now, you are walking in condemnation. You are beating yourself up for something in your past that you are still trying to make restitution for that God already separated as far as each from the West, he's made no more." [00:18:39] (29 seconds)
"Grace and the grace alone. And some of you in here would say, well, what about the book of James chapter two, verse 18 through 26 when it talks about faith and works? I'm glad you asked. That's what the Bible says in James. I wanna give you a contrast. But someone will say, you have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God, you do well. Even the demons believe that and your ex and tremble." [00:24:08] (29 seconds)
"Prayer, fasting, attending the church should not be consequences of your sin. They should be a result of his grace and his love in your life. Stop trying to earn repentance and salvation with your religiosity. I think that Kern County is one of the most religious and legalistic areas in all of California. On the outside, we are the appearance of Christian. I grow Republican, I love Israel, and I'm a horrible husband, but I'm a Christian. Which one is it?" [00:26:22] (36 seconds)
"I think that he wants his church to stop playing church, but to start being the church, the true church. You know that it is okay to be broken. It is okay to not have it all together. I want to give you permission to know, is it okay to not have it all together? It's okay to be sitting in this room right now, carrying the scarlet letter of shame for whatever sin it is that you might have done. I'm not saying it's okay to stay there, but it is okay if you've come in here with us, because you are in the right place at the right time to receive all that he has for you." [00:31:36] (36 seconds)
"God isn't looking for your performance, he's looking just for you just to be a better Christian. He's looking for you to receive his grace to know that on your own strength and even on your best day you could not save yourself that on your best day could never measure up to the cross that his ways are not our ways his thoughts are not our thoughts that we would learn to rest in the fact that his grace is given to us because he loves us how could creation or creator not love their creation." [00:40:06] (52 seconds)
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