Embracing Grace: The Journey to Holiness

Summary

Today, we gathered in the presence of the Holy Spirit, inviting God’s healing and transformation over our lives. We declared the power of Christ’s sacrifice, remembering that by His stripes we are healed, and that nothing can separate us from His love. The focus was on the call to say no to sin and embrace a life of holiness—not as a burdensome religious duty, but as a response to God’s grace and love. Sin, at its core, is missing the mark of God’s intent for us, a failure to love Him and others as we should. Yet, even the Apostle Paul struggled with doing what he did not want to do, reminding us that this is a universal human battle.

Personal stories were shared about growing up in a home where prayer and faith were central, and how the seeds planted by godly parents bear fruit even when children stray. The journey of surrendering every area of life—including health—was highlighted, showing that unchecked blind spots can become areas of sin if not brought under God’s lordship. True transformation began when God was invited into the struggle, moving beyond self-effort to dependence on His strength and grace.

We were reminded that the enemy we face is already defeated by Christ, and that we are called to be good stewards of all God has given us—our families, marriages, ministries, finances, and bodies. The difference between religion and grace was explored: religion demands outward performance and leads to guilt, while grace transforms from the inside out, producing surrender, joy, and power. God’s grace not only saves but sustains us, making it possible to say no to ungodliness and live set apart for Him.

Practical steps were encouraged: declaring God’s truth over temptation, focusing on heart change before behavior modification, and seeking accountability within the body of Christ. We are not meant to walk alone; fellowship sharpens us and helps us persevere. Ultimately, salvation is not earned by our efforts but received through trusting in Jesus and His finished work. Like the thief on the cross, our entrance into God’s kingdom is secured by the One who says, “You can come in.” We closed by inviting God to search our hearts, reveal our blind spots, and help us surrender every area to Him, trusting in His abundant grace.

Key Takeaways

- Sin is not just about breaking rules, but about missing God’s intended purpose for our lives—failing to love Him and others fully. Even the most faithful struggle with this, as seen in Paul’s confession, but the struggle itself is a sign of spiritual life and the ongoing work of grace. Recognizing sin as separation from God’s heart, not just moral failure, invites us to deeper dependence on Him. [45:16]

- True transformation begins when we invite God into our blind spots—those areas we justify, ignore, or try to manage on our own. Surrendering these hidden struggles, whether in health, relationships, or habits, is an act of humility and wisdom, not weakness. God’s grace meets us in our honesty, and real change starts from the inside out. [55:17]

- The difference between religion and grace is profound: religion pressures us to perform and produces guilt, while grace invites us to trust and produces joy and power. Outward change without inward surrender leads to burnout, but when we rest in God’s sustaining grace, holiness becomes a natural outflow of our relationship with Him. [01:06:44]

- Declaring God’s truth in the face of temptation is a powerful spiritual weapon. Speaking the promises of God aloud not only reminds us of our identity in Christ but also silences the lies of the enemy. Change is sustained by focusing on pleasing God in our hearts, letting love replace duty, and allowing the Spirit to bring freedom where there was once bondage. [01:11:06]

- Accountability and fellowship are essential for spiritual growth. We are sharpened by others and protected from isolation when we walk together in honesty and love. The church is not a collection of individuals but a body where each member’s gifts and encouragement are needed for the journey; we are sustained by grace, not by our own striving. [01:14:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:48] - Declaration of Healing and Opening Prayer
[41:30] - Introduction and Gratitude
[42:07] - The Call to Holiness and Key Scripture
[43:40] - Understanding Sin: Missing the Mark
[45:16] - The Universal Struggle with Sin
[47:21] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
[48:44] - The Power of a Praying Family
[50:14] - Planting Seeds of Faith in the Next Generation
[51:24] - Personal Blind Spots and Surrender
[53:43] - A Wake-Up Call: Stewarding Our Bodies
[55:17] - Inviting God into Every Struggle
[57:19] - Recognizing Hidden Addictions
[59:38] - God Answers Prayers for Change
[01:01:13] - The Defeated Enemy and Our Authority
[01:06:44] - Religion vs. Grace
[01:08:09] - Embracing the Power of Grace
[01:11:06] - Declaring God’s Word in Temptation
[01:13:22] - The Importance of Accountability
[01:14:05] - The Church: Walking Together
[01:15:24] - Grace, Not Works, Secures Salvation
[01:16:24] - The Thief on the Cross: Entering by Grace
[01:18:58] - Reflecting on Our Blind Spots
[01:20:57] - Surrender and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)
> Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)
> For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

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.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 6:12-14, what does Paul say about the power of sin in the life of a believer?
2. In Romans 7:15-20, how does Paul describe his personal struggle with sin? What words or phrases does he use to show the tension he feels?
3. The sermon described sin as “missing the mark” of God’s intent for us, not just breaking rules. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this idea? [[43:40]]
4. What practical steps did the pastor mention for dealing with temptation and blind spots in our lives? [[55:17]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul say that sin will no longer be our master if we are under grace and not law? What does this mean for how we live day to day?
2. The pastor shared that even the most faithful, like Paul, struggle with doing what they don’t want to do. How does this struggle point to the ongoing work of grace in a believer’s life? [[45:16]]
3. The sermon contrasted religion and grace, saying religion leads to guilt and burnout, but grace leads to surrender, joy, and power. Why is it important to understand this difference? [[01:06:44]]
4. The pastor talked about inviting God into our blind spots and struggles, especially those we try to manage on our own. Why is surrendering these areas to God an act of humility and wisdom, not weakness? [[55:17]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about growing up in a home where prayer was central and how it shaped his faith. If you have children or influence over the next generation, what is one way you can plant seeds of faith in their lives this week? [[49:34]]
2. Think about an area of your life that might be a “blind spot”—something you tend to justify, ignore, or try to handle on your own. What would it look like to invite God into that area and surrender it to Him? [[55:17]]
3. The sermon encouraged declaring God’s truth out loud when facing temptation. Is there a specific promise or verse you can speak over your life this week when you feel tempted or discouraged? [[01:11:06]]
4. The difference between religion and grace was described as the difference between outward performance and inward transformation. Are there areas in your walk with God where you are focused more on “checking the boxes” than on heart change? What is one step you can take to shift your focus? [[01:06:44]]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of accountability and fellowship. Who in your life can you invite to hold you accountable in your walk with Christ? How can you take a step toward deeper honesty and support this week? [[01:13:22]]
6. The sermon closed with a reminder that salvation is not earned by our efforts, but received by trusting in Jesus. Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s approval? How can you rest more fully in His grace? [[01:15:24]]
7. Reflect on the idea that “the struggle itself is a sign of spiritual life and the ongoing work of grace.” How does this change the way you view your own battles with sin and growth? [[45:16]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Sin No Longer Reigns—You Are Under Grace
Sin is not just an action but a condition of the heart, a missing of the mark that separates us from God’s best for our lives. Yet, through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin; we are set free to live under the power of grace. When you feel the pull of old habits or temptations, remember that sin is not your master—God’s grace is. Embrace this truth and let it shape your choices, knowing that you are empowered to say no to sin and yes to holiness. [43:40]

Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel sin still tries to reign? How can you declare and live out the truth that you are under grace, not under law, in that area today?


Day 2: God’s Grace Is Sufficient—Embrace It Daily
God’s grace is not only what saves you, but what sustains you every day. When you accept and rely on His grace, you find the strength to resist temptation, to grow in self-control, and to live a life set apart for Him. Holiness is not about striving harder in your own strength, but about letting God’s grace transform you from the inside out. Let His grace be your foundation and your daily source of power. [01:08:09]

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: Where do you feel weak or inadequate today? How can you intentionally lean into God’s grace and let His strength be made perfect in your weakness?


Day 3: Declare God’s Truth Over Your Life
There is power in speaking God’s Word aloud over your life, especially in moments of temptation or discouragement. When you declare the truth of Scripture, you remind yourself—and the enemy—of who you are in Christ and the victory you have through Him. Let your words align with God’s promises, and let your heart be strengthened as you speak life and truth into every situation. [01:10:06]

Romans 6:14 (ESV)
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word you need to declare over your life today? Speak it out loud and let it shape your mindset and actions.


Day 4: Grace Transforms—Not Religion, But Relationship
Trying harder in your own strength leads to guilt and burnout, but trusting in God’s grace brings surrender, joy, and lasting change. True transformation comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from religious performance or checking boxes. Let your devotion flow from love, not duty, and seek God with your whole heart. Allow His Spirit to bring freedom and renewal as you walk in grace, not religion. [01:07:40]

Romans 5:20 (ESV)
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts or religious routines? How can you shift your focus to a deeper relationship with Jesus and allow His grace to transform you?


Day 5: Surrender Your Blind Spots—Let God Search Your Heart
We all have blind spots—areas of our lives we may not see clearly or have not fully surrendered to God. Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, reveal what needs to change, and help you surrender every hidden area to Him. Asking for help is not weakness but wisdom, and God’s grace is abundant for every struggle. Let Him heal, renew, and empower you to be a good steward of every part of your life. [01:20:13]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Reflection: What is one “blind spot” in your life that you sense God wants to address? Take time to pray, asking Him to reveal it and help you surrender it fully to Him today.

Quotes

And I'm not here to be holier than thou or that I got it all together because I still have a long way to go in my health journey. But I am not where I used to be. And I am not going back. I am not going back. We can't go back. To the glory of God, as of today, I am minus 70 pounds. But God. [01:03:28] (55 seconds)  #StrengthInChrist Edit Clip

And for you, when you're struggling with something, understand that you are more than a conqueror. That you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Remember that. Never forget who you are. By his stripes. You are healed. La sangre de Cristo tiene poder. [01:04:31] (40 seconds)  #RejectEarthlyPatterns Edit Clip

Do not be conformed to the patterns of this earth. The devil tries to deceive us. You come from and with the truth of God. That's in the word. Not today, Satan. Not this family. Not this marriage. Not this ministry. Not this finance. Not this body. In Jesus' name. [01:05:12] (44 seconds)  #GraceTransformsWithin Edit Clip

Religion says try harder. Grace says trust more. Religion focuses on the outward performance. Grace transforms the inner person. Religion creates pressure, guilt, and burnout. Great produces surrender, joy, and power. Surrender, joy, and power. In church, remember this. Grace, the grace that saves you. It's also the grace that sustains you. [01:06:45] (59 seconds)  #GraceEnablesHoliness Edit Clip

When you accept God's grace, it is so much easier to say no to ungodliness. When you accept God's grace, it becomes so much easier for the fruits of the Spirit to flourish, like self -control. When you accept God's grace, it's so much easier to live in holiness. Because holiness, all it really means is set apart for God, letting God dwell. And when you learn to accept God's grace, holiness automatically becomes attached to it. Because you will now understand that you have been delivered from sin. [01:08:45] (57 seconds)  #DeclareGodsWordLoudly Edit Clip

Change comes from the inside out. Focus on pleasing God in your heart first. Managing behavior comes later. Focus the change in your heart first. Let your devotion replace duty. Do it out of love. Do it because he loved you first. Don't do it out of religion or checking a box. Do it. Seek God like you seek oxygen, like you seek water. And I promise you change will come. Because donde está el Espíritu de Dios hay libertad. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [01:11:58] (68 seconds)  #AccountabilitySharpens Edit Clip

This walk with Christ was never meant to be an alone walk. See, we're all children of God. Those who accepted Jesus. But individually, we're not the church. You're only the church when you come together with the reigning people of God. And there's promises that are for the church. The gates of hell shall not prevail against you. This walk was meant to be done in fellowship. Because God has deposited things in you that he has not deposited in me. And I need you, what God has given you, to sharpen me. And you need what God has given me to sharpen you. So do not walk alone. Amen. [01:13:52] (55 seconds)  #GraceSustainsRepentance Edit Clip

Rely on grace daily. Repent when you fall. But don't stay down. Remember the grace that saves you. It's the grace that sustains you. Romans 5 .20 says, Where sin increases, grace increases all the more. [01:14:49] (35 seconds)  #SalvationByGraceNotWorks Edit Clip

Salvation is not earned. There's nothing, nothing you can do to merit the salvation. There's nothing. There's nothing. God's grace saves you from the penalty. Jesus Christ took your punishment. It frees you. It delivers you from the bondage that Satan had on us. You are not made new by trying harder. But by trusting in Jesus Christ and what he did. [01:15:24] (39 seconds)  #HonestNotHypocritical Edit Clip

``Because the man in the middle cross says I can come in. And today I tell you that the man in the middle cross says you could come in. You could come in boldly. You could come in forgiven. You could come in delivered. You could come in with all the confidence. Because he took the penalty of your sin. He took what we deserved. And now we have grace and we have mercy. And now you have clearance to enter the kingdom of heaven because of what he did for you. And don't ever let the enemy deceive you otherwise. [01:17:25] (64 seconds)  #SurrenderBlindSpots Edit Clip