Embracing Grace: Freedom from the Law's Burden
Summary
Reflecting on the journey of faith and the transformative power of grace, today's message delves into the profound contrast between living under the law and embracing the grace offered through Christ. The law, as discussed, is a curse that binds us to a cycle of striving and unfulfilled pursuits. Whether it's adhering to societal norms, religious expectations, or professional standards, these laws often lead to a sense of inadequacy and spiritual death. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 3:10-18, highlights that reliance on the law results in a curse, as no one can be justified by it. Instead, the righteous shall live by faith, a concept that liberates us from the burdens of the law.
The sermon emphasizes that God sets the terms of our spiritual journey, not us. Just as we cannot negotiate the terms of a contract once it's signed, we cannot alter the divine terms set by God. These terms are rooted in grace, not law. Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us, offering us the promise of life through faith. This grace is not temporary or subject to change; it is eternal and steadfast, providing rest for our souls.
The narrative of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume serves as a poignant illustration of choosing grace over law. Her act of devotion, breaking societal and religious norms, underscores the intimate relationship with Christ that transcends legalistic boundaries. This choice reflects the essence of abiding in God's promise and grace, where true freedom and fulfillment are found.
In conclusion, the call is to let go of the striving and embrace the terms of grace. By abiding in Christ, we find rest and liberation from the curse of the law. This choice is not about our strength or record but about relying on God's promise, which is a gift, not a reward for works.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Curse of the Law: Living under the law leads to a cycle of striving and spiritual death. The law demands perfection, which no one can achieve, resulting in judgment and condemnation. Embracing grace frees us from this curse, offering life and rest through faith in Christ. [29:28]
2. God Sets the Terms: Just as we cannot change the terms of a signed contract, we cannot alter God's terms of grace. These terms are rooted in Christ's redemptive work, offering us life through faith, not by our works. This eternal promise is unchanging and provides true freedom. [33:40]
3. The Choice of Grace: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus illustrates the choice to embrace grace over law. Her devotion transcended societal norms, reflecting an intimate relationship with Christ. This choice invites us to abide in God's promise, where true fulfillment is found. [47:25]
4. Abiding in Christ: Our role is not to produce fruit but to abide in Christ. By staying connected to Him, fruit naturally comes as He works through us. This abiding relationship is the essence of living in grace, where we find rest and fulfillment. [49:25]
5. Repentance and Freedom: Recognizing our tendency to revert to the law, we are called to repent and embrace the freedom offered by grace. Without Jesus, we are left with the law, but through Him, we have the choice to live in the freedom of grace, a gift not earned by works. [50:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [18:58] - Introduction to Terms
- [20:49] - The Curse of the Law
- [22:32] - Striving Under the Law
- [23:34] - Personal Reflections on Striving
- [29:28] - Consequences of Not Fulfilling the Law
- [30:16] - Judgment and Repercussions
- [32:09] - Temporary and Unfulfilled Pursuits
- [32:58] - Who Sets the Terms?
- [33:40] - God's Terms of Grace
- [34:40] - The Hyperlink of Scripture
- [36:07] - Terms of Grace Explained
- [37:11] - Results of Grace: Life
- [37:46] - Memory Verse: Rest in Christ
- [38:58] - God's Unchanging Promise
- [39:37] - Reflective Reliance on the Law
- [40:38] - Biblical Examples of Struggle
- [41:43] - The Rich Young Ruler's Challenge
- [43:06] - Accepting God's Terms
- [44:17] - Doing vs. Surrendering
- [44:42] - Illustration of Mary and Judas
- [45:44] - The Choice of Intimacy with Christ
- [46:26] - Anointing and Abiding
- [47:25] - The Meaning of Christos
- [48:42] - Everyday Choices in Grace
- [49:25] - Abiding and Fruitfulness
- [50:32] - Repentance and Freedom
- [51:43] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 3:10-18
- Matthew 11:28-30
- John 12:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Galatians 3:10-18 say about the law and its impact on those who rely on it? How does this relate to the concept of a curse? [20:49]
2. In Matthew 11:28-30, what invitation does Jesus extend to those who are weary and burdened? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about finding rest in grace? [37:46]
3. How does the story of Mary anointing Jesus in John 12:1-8 illustrate the choice between grace and law? What societal norms did Mary break in her act of devotion? [46:26]
4. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of not fulfilling the law, and how does this lead to spiritual death? [29:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between living under the law and living by faith? What does it mean for the righteous to live by faith according to Galatians 3:11? [34:40]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that societal, religious, and professional laws can lead to a sense of inadequacy and spiritual death? How does grace offer a different path? [22:32]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the permanence of God’s terms of grace compared to human laws and expectations? How does this impact a believer’s sense of security and freedom? [38:58]
4. How does the sermon use the example of Mary and Judas to illustrate the choice between grace and law? What does this reveal about the nature of true devotion? [47:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel trapped by societal, religious, or professional expectations? How can embracing grace help you find freedom in these areas? [22:32]
2. Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him. What burdens are you currently carrying that you need to bring to Jesus for rest? How can you practically do this in your daily life? [37:46]
3. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was a bold choice that broke societal norms. Is there a step of faith or act of devotion you feel called to take that might challenge societal or religious expectations? [46:26]
4. The sermon emphasizes abiding in Christ rather than striving to produce fruit. What does abiding in Christ look like for you, and how can you cultivate this relationship more deeply? [49:25]
5. The sermon calls for repentance from relying on the law. Are there specific areas in your life where you find yourself reverting to legalistic thinking? How can you shift your focus to grace? [50:32]
6. Consider the story of the rich young ruler. Are there possessions or aspects of your life that you hold onto tightly, preventing you from fully embracing God’s grace? What steps can you take to let go? [41:43]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s grace, especially when faced with temporary and unfulfilled pursuits? [38:58]
Devotional
Day 1: The Burden of the Law
Living under the law creates a relentless cycle of striving and spiritual death. The law demands perfection, which no one can achieve, leading to judgment and condemnation. This cycle traps individuals in a constant state of inadequacy, as they attempt to meet societal, religious, or personal standards that are impossible to fulfill. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 3:10-18, emphasizes that reliance on the law results in a curse, as no one can be justified by it. Instead, the righteous shall live by faith, a concept that liberates us from the burdens of the law. Embracing grace frees us from this curse, offering life and rest through faith in Christ. [29:28]
Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV): "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, 'Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.' Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel trapped by the need to meet certain standards? How can you begin to embrace the freedom offered by grace today?
Day 2: The Unchanging Terms of Grace
God sets the terms of our spiritual journey, and these terms are rooted in grace, not law. Just as we cannot change the terms of a signed contract, we cannot alter God's terms of grace. These terms are based on Christ's redemptive work, offering us life through faith, not by our works. This eternal promise is unchanging and provides true freedom. Understanding that we cannot negotiate or alter these divine terms allows us to rest in the assurance of God's steadfast love and grace. [33:40]
Hebrews 13:8-9 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are trying to negotiate with God? How can you fully accept His unchanging terms of grace?
Day 3: Choosing Grace Over Law
The narrative of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume illustrates the choice to embrace grace over law. Her act of devotion broke societal and religious norms, underscoring the intimate relationship with Christ that transcends legalistic boundaries. This choice reflects the essence of abiding in God's promise and grace, where true freedom and fulfillment are found. By choosing grace, we are invited to live in a relationship with Christ that is not bound by the constraints of the law but is instead characterized by love and devotion. [47:25]
Luke 7:37-38 (ESV): "And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment."
Reflection: What societal or religious norms are you being called to break in order to deepen your relationship with Christ? How can you choose grace in these situations?
Day 4: Abiding in Christ
Our role is not to produce fruit but to abide in Christ. By staying connected to Him, fruit naturally comes as He works through us. This abiding relationship is the essence of living in grace, where we find rest and fulfillment. It is not about our strength or record but about relying on God's promise, which is a gift, not a reward for works. Abiding in Christ means trusting in His presence and allowing His grace to flow through us, resulting in a life that reflects His love and truth. [49:25]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you intentionally abide in Christ today? What practices or habits can help you stay connected to Him?
Day 5: Repentance and Embracing Freedom
Recognizing our tendency to revert to the law, we are called to repent and embrace the freedom offered by grace. Without Jesus, we are left with the law, but through Him, we have the choice to live in the freedom of grace, a gift not earned by works. This repentance involves a conscious decision to turn away from self-reliance and legalism, and instead, embrace the grace that Christ offers. It is an invitation to live in the freedom and joy that comes from a relationship with Him. [50:32]
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself reverting to legalism? How can you repent and embrace the freedom of grace in this area today?
Quotes
1) "What we'll find today in God's word is, A, that the law is a curse. And we rely on laws every day. If you look around yourself, you'll see many, many of the structure around you has expectation or laws in it. First off, we're Americans, so we go, you know, by American laws and ideas. Our legislator writes those, and they get to debate and, you know, fight over them and give you a big book and say, well, sign it and we'll read it afterwards. You know, those are the kind of things that we deal with. And then the Supreme Court of United States, you know, they get to rule in the law, and they get to set precedents, and they get to say, hey, this is for sure the way this is interpreted. These are laws, you should follow them in this manner." [20:49] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Much of the striving, though, is unfulfilled or temporary, is it not? There are a lot of things in life that turn out to be empty. right? I have a question for you. What laws are you striving to live up to? Any of these things hit home? These pursuits, though, they're temporary and unfulfilled, and they bring about some form of death, and they run through your hands like sand." [32:58] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "But when you're going through life like this, there's terms to all this, and who sets those terms? Here's a surprise to us sometimes. We don't set those a lot of times. There's a topic I'm going to bring up now that, you know, we're on B. We do not set the terms. God does. Well, you ever bought a car or a house? There's been times where, you know, I'm sitting there talking to somebody about a mortgage, and Lana Love's going with me to buy a car. She's always like uncomfortable. She's like, could you just be nice to them? I'm like, oh, I'm going to be nice. I just have some things, some questions I want to ask, and we're going to go head -to -head, and we're going to negotiate." [33:40] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "So let's look what's more important than that. If we don't accept the terms that God's put out there for us, they're repercussions. Well, let's look in Scripture to find out what they are. Here we are in Matthew 7, verse 21. Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven. But the one who does, the will of my Father who is in heaven. I'm sorry, Father in heaven. On the day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name? And do we did, in other words, many mighty works in your name? And then I will declare to them, the Lord speaking here, I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. I never knew you. Why? Well, they're doing it for God." [44:17] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "It's abide, if you want me to sum it up in one word. And I got a little reality check. It was a week or two ago. I think I shared this with Roberto, maybe even hosting. It was on the way to church. I think Lana had put it on Joy FM or something, and I didn't even realize it was on. It was just in the background. And I pulled up, and right before I turned the switch off, I heard something, and it checked me. It made me pause and really start marinating in it a minute before I got out of the truck. I was just praying over it. It's like, hey, you know what? Your job in ministry is not to produce fruit. Wait a minute, what? What are you talking about? Fruit, work, faith without works, what are you talking about? Your job is not to produce fruit. Your job is to abide and stay connected with him. And guess what? Fruit comes. He does it through us. He's all we need. We're not enough, but he is." [49:25] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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