Embracing Grace: Freedom from the Religious Spirit

Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s goodness, new life, answered prayers, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among us. We dedicated new babies, rejoiced in healing, and looked forward to upcoming opportunities for connection and growth. But at the heart of our time together was a call to move beyond a “religious spirit”—that heavy, accusing mindset that tells us we must earn God’s love or approval. Instead, we are invited to approach God as beloved children, welcomed by grace, not by our own perfection.

The Lord gave a picture of many carrying a weight—a clamp on the mind—placed by the enemy, not by God. This “religious spirit” distorts our view of God, making Him seem distant, angry, or impossible to please. But the truth of the gospel is that Jesus’ sacrifice has already paid every debt, broken every chain, and opened the way for us to know God as our Father. We are not worms groveling for acceptance, but sons and daughters created for relationship, rescued from darkness, and brought into light.

As we continued in the Lord’s Prayer, we explored four invitations: for daily bread, for forgiveness, for freedom from temptation, and for deliverance from evil. “Give us today our daily bread” is a call to trust God’s provision for today, not to worry about tomorrow. Just as God provided manna for Israel in the wilderness, He meets our needs in the present moment, teaching us to rely on Him daily.

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” is a radical invitation to receive God’s total forgiveness and to extend that same grace to others. We are set free from the prison of bitterness when we release those who have wronged us, just as Christ has released us. The prayer “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” is not about passing tests by our own strength, but about inviting God’s deliverance from the evil we cannot overcome alone. The cross is the ultimate answer to every accusation, every debt, and every test.

The invitation is to lay down striving, accusation, and fear, and to step into the freedom, forgiveness, and provision that Jesus has won for us. We are called to live as those who are loved, forgiven, and empowered by grace—ambassadors of a kingdom where debts are paid, captives are set free, and God’s presence is our daily bread.

Key Takeaways

- Grace Replaces the Religious Spirit
The enemy seeks to burden us with a “religious spirit”—a mindset that says we must earn God’s love or approval. But Jesus’ sacrifice breaks this bondage, inviting us to approach God as beloved children, not as condemned outsiders. Our identity is rooted in His grace, not our performance, and this truth transforms how we relate to God and ourselves. [01:02:11]

- Daily Bread: Trusting God’s Present Provision
God’s provision is always timely and sufficient for today. Like manna in the wilderness, He gives what we need for this moment, teaching us to trust Him rather than hoard or worry about tomorrow. True freedom comes when we rest in His faithfulness, knowing that tomorrow’s needs will be met when tomorrow comes. [01:17:03]

- Forgiveness: Receiving and Releasing Debts
We all carry spiritual debts we cannot repay, but Jesus has paid them in full. As we receive His forgiveness, we are empowered to forgive others, releasing them from what they “owe” us. This act of forgiveness is not denial of wrongs, but a supernatural freedom that breaks the cycle of bitterness and allows God’s love to flow through us. [01:27:09]

- Deliverance Over Passing Tests
The Christian life is not about passing endless tests to prove our faithfulness. Instead, we are invited to pray for deliverance from evil, acknowledging our inability to overcome sin on our own. Jesus’ victory on the cross is our deliverance, and our hope rests in His finished work, not our own striving. [01:34:12]

- Living as Ambassadors of Grace
Having received such extravagant grace, we are called to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom—extending forgiveness, love, and freedom to others. Our lives become a testimony of what Jesus has done, inviting others into the same freedom and relationship with God. This is not just a personal blessing, but a missional calling to reflect Christ’s heart to the world. [01:29:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[03:10] - Announcements and Celebrations
[08:30] - Baby Dedication
[13:00] - Birthdays and Testimonies
[16:30] - Upcoming Events and Equip Nights
[22:00] - Coffee Break and Community Values
[28:00] - Transition Back to Service
[44:46] - Preparing for the Word
[59:22] - Prayer for Open Hearts
[01:00:34] - Breaking the Religious Spirit
[01:03:50] - The Power of Grace and Identity
[01:11:26] - The Lord’s Prayer: A New Approach
[01:16:05] - Daily Bread: Trusting God’s Provision
[01:22:10] - Forgiveness and Releasing Debts
[01:29:56] - Deliverance from Evil
[01:34:12] - Living in Freedom and Grace
[01:39:24] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living in Grace, Not Striving

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
- Exodus 16:4 (God provides manna in the wilderness)
- Revelation 12:10-11 (The accuser is overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 6:11, what does Jesus mean by “Give us today our daily bread”? How does this connect to the story of manna in Exodus 16:4?
2. According to the sermon, what is the “religious spirit” and how does it affect the way we see God and ourselves? [[01:02:11]]
3. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are the four invitations Jesus teaches us to pray for, as highlighted in the sermon? [[01:14:04]]
4. How does Revelation 12:10-11 describe the way believers overcome the accuser?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes the “religious spirit” as a weight or clamp on the mind. Why do you think it’s so easy for Christians to fall into this mindset, even after hearing about grace? [[01:02:11]]
2. When Jesus teaches us to pray for “daily bread,” what does this reveal about God’s character and our relationship to Him? [[01:17:03]]
3. The phrase “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” is called a “radical invitation” in the sermon. Why is forgiveness—both receiving and giving—so central to the Christian life? [[01:27:09]]
4. The sermon says, “The Christian life is not about passing endless tests to prove our faithfulness.” How does this change the way we approach temptation and spiritual struggle? [[01:34:12]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talks about laying down striving, accusation, and fear. Is there an area in your life where you feel you are still trying to “earn” God’s love or approval? What would it look like to let go of that and receive grace instead? [[01:02:11]]
2. “Give us today our daily bread” is about trusting God’s provision for today. Are there specific worries about the future that you need to surrender to God? What is one practical step you can take this week to trust Him with your needs? [[01:17:03]]
3. The pastor encouraged us to picture those who have hurt us and say, “I release you from your debt.” Is there someone you need to forgive or release from bitterness? What is one step you can take toward that this week—even if it’s just praying for them? [[01:27:09]]
4. When you face temptation or feel overwhelmed by evil, do you tend to rely on your own strength or ask for God’s deliverance? How can you make “deliver us from evil” a more regular part of your prayer life? [[01:34:12]]
5. The sermon says we are called to live as “ambassadors of grace.” What is one way you can extend forgiveness, love, or freedom to someone in your life this week? [[01:29:56]]
6. The “religious spirit” often makes us see God as distant or angry. How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity as a beloved child of God? Is there a verse or truth from this study you want to memorize or meditate on?
7. The Lord’s Prayer is not just a ritual, but an invitation to relationship. How might your prayers change if you approached God as a loving Father rather than a judge? What is one thing you want to try differently in your prayer life this week? [[01:12:30]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person step into the freedom, forgiveness, and provision that Jesus has won for us.

Devotional

Day 1: Approaching God as a Loving Father, Not with a Religious Spirit
God desires us to come to Him not as fearful, condemned outsiders, but as beloved children welcomed into His presence by grace. The enemy tries to put a “religious spirit” on us, making us feel like we must earn God’s love or that He is waiting to punish us for our failures. But the truth is, through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship where we are fully known, fully loved, and designed to be with Him. You were never meant to approach God as a worm, but as someone created for His presence, welcomed by His open arms and the finished work of Christ. [01:07:47]

Matthew 6:9
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you viewed God as distant or angry rather than as a loving Father? How can you intentionally approach Him today as a child who is welcomed and loved?


Day 2: Trusting God for Daily Provision
God’s heart is to provide for you each day, just as He provided manna for Israel in the wilderness. Jesus teaches us to pray for “daily bread,” reminding us that we can trust God to meet our needs today and not be consumed by anxiety about tomorrow. When we live in relationship with Him, we experience the freedom of knowing that He is faithful to provide exactly what we need, when we need it, and we can rest in His goodness rather than worry about the future. [01:22:10]

Matthew 6:11
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are anxious about tomorrow’s needs? How can you trust God to provide for you today and release that worry to Him?


Day 3: Receiving and Extending Forgiveness
Jesus invites us to receive forgiveness for our spiritual debts and, in turn, to forgive those who have wronged us. Recognizing the immense debt that Christ has paid for us, we are empowered to release others from what they owe us, breaking the chains of bitterness and walking in true freedom. Forgiveness is not ignoring the wrongs done, but choosing to let go of the debt, just as God has done for us, and this act brings healing and sets both us and others free. [01:29:56]

Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (ESV)

Reflection: Who comes to mind when you think of someone who has hurt you? Will you take time today to pray and release them from their debt, just as Christ has released you?


Day 4: Inviting God’s Deliverance from Evil
We are not called to prove ourselves by passing every test or resisting every temptation in our own strength. Instead, Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from evil, acknowledging our need for God’s power to rescue us from the darkness and brokenness that we cannot overcome alone. This prayer is a humble surrender, trusting that Jesus has already won the victory and that His deliverance is available to us every day as we seek Him. [01:34:12]

Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of temptation or struggle where you need God’s deliverance? Will you ask Him today to rescue you and trust in His power to set you free?


Day 5: Living in the Freedom and Grace of Jesus
The greatest freedom comes from embracing the gift of God’s grace—knowing that you are fully forgiven, fully loved, and welcomed into relationship with Him, not because of your own efforts, but because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. When you stop striving to be “good enough” and simply receive His grace, transformation begins, and you can live each day in the joy and security of being His child. Let your prayers and your life flow from this place of freedom, enjoying the 100% wonderful gift that is Jesus Christ. [01:39:24]

Ephesians 2:8-9
“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.” (ESV)

Reflection: Where have you been striving to earn God’s approval or love? How can you rest today in the truth that you are accepted and transformed by grace alone?

Quotes

The problem with this is you will never reach your potential in Jesus and what God has for you if you view him and yourself this way. You'll never step into the fullness. See, the grace of Jesus Christ draws us in, not by our perfection or goodness, but by his perfection and his goodness. It opens the door that we could never open, giving us the identity we were destined for but lost. It's given freely, the free gift of Jesus Christ. [01:03:06] (00:00:44 seconds) Edit Clip

The Bible would say that he who knew no sin became sin for you, that you might become the righteousness of God. There was an exchange based on his goodness where he would take all the wrong and the filth and the punishment that I deserved in exchange for what he has and who he is. And that's actually imparted into your life. It's actually imparted to you, given freely. You become something new. This is why the Bible would say you're born again. You're born again to a living hope. [01:04:25] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

The accuser's got no voice here anymore. He's got no power here anymore. He's got no place here anymore. Why? Because of my perfect lamb who was slain. And the word of my testimony is that I went to Jesus. Yes, broken, beaten down, hurting, sinful, separated, and guilty, but that's not the way I stayed. I went to Jesus and the idea of being born again, it's a spiritual rebirth that happens to the person when they put their faith in Jesus. All things become new. [01:10:21] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

Wouldn't it be way more amazing rather than God just giving you a better day that you'd be transformed and shy no matter what's going on? Like wouldn't it be amazing that no matter what the box the devil put over your head he just couldn't snuff you? He just couldn't snuff me out? Like you have total victory. Even if you were to die, you win. That's the glory of the whole thing. Even if I was to shed off this earthly tent I call a body. I stand before God forgiven and it's welcome home because the devil lost the moment I believed. [01:14:14] (00:00:40 seconds) Edit Clip

So when Jesus comes in with the prayer forgive us our debts it's quite revolutionary because rather than me coming to God saying Lord I'm going to do better this time what I come to God saying is that I actually can't I understand that so I need grace so that's why I need favor I don't deserve that's why I need Jesus the blood death resurrection of Christ I need that to welcome me in and so I come into this relationship understanding that I have debts and they need forgiven it's a rewriting a re flipping of the whole thing. [01:24:35] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip