Grace: Transforming Lives Beyond Judgment and Condemnation
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of grace through the lens of the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 7:53-8:11. We began by acknowledging the pervasive nature of cancel culture in today's society, where people are quick to judge and condemn others, often without knowing the full story. This behavior mirrors the actions of the Pharisees who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus, seeking to trap Him. However, Jesus' response was revolutionary; He extended grace instead of condemnation, challenging those without sin to cast the first stone. This act of grace not only saved the woman from physical death but also offered her a chance for a transformed life.
Grace, as we discussed, is not just forgiveness but unmerited favor and the power to change. It is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, yet it can be offensive, especially when we feel wronged. Jesus' approach to the adulterous woman and even to Judas, who betrayed Him, exemplifies His anti-cancel culture stance. He offers grace and opportunities for change, even to those who seem undeserving. This grace is what sets Christianity apart from other religions and offers us the empowerment to walk away from our past sins.
We also touched on the concept of deconstruction, where individuals unpack their faith due to church hurt or legalism. While this process can lead to a stronger faith, it often results in bitterness if not reconstructed properly. The presence of Judas among Jesus' disciples serves as a reminder that even in the midst of corruption and betrayal, Jesus remains real, powerful, and present.
Ultimately, Jesus' grace is an opportunity for us to change and not be defined by our past. He calls us to go and sin no more, offering us a chance to walk away from our accusers and live a life transformed by His love and grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace is Offensive Yet Transformative: Grace is wonderful when we are the recipients, but it can be offensive when extended to those who have wronged us. Jesus' act of grace towards the adulterous woman shows that grace is not just about forgiveness but also about offering a chance for transformation. This grace challenges us to extend the same to others, even when it feels unjust. [41:23]
2. Physical Nearness to Jesus is Not Enough: Judas' story teaches us that being physically close to Jesus, hearing His teachings, and witnessing His miracles are not enough to transform a heart. True transformation requires a genuine, life-giving relationship with Jesus, not just outward appearances of faith. [52:08]
3. Deconstruction Can Lead to Stronger Faith: The process of deconstructing one's faith, often due to church hurt or legalism, can lead to a stronger, more authentic faith if reconstructed properly. However, if done through the lens of bitterness, it can result in a permanent departure from faith. [46:52]
4. Jesus is Anti-Cancel Culture: Jesus' response to the adulterous woman and Judas shows that He is fundamentally against cancel culture. He offers grace and opportunities for change, even to those who seem undeserving. This sets Christianity apart and challenges us to extend the same grace to others. [47:15]
5. Grace is an Opportunity for Change: Jesus' grace is not just about pardoning our sins but also about empowering us to change. When He told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more," He offered her a new life free from her past. This grace is available to all of us, offering a chance to walk away from our accusers and live a transformed life. [56:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:59] - Introduction and Humor
[34:38] - Cancel Culture and Social Media
[35:09] - The Olympic Breakdancer
[36:09] - Feeling Convicted
[36:54] - The Woman Caught in Adultery
[37:40] - Jesus' Response to the Accusers
[38:16] - Satan as the Accuser
[38:50] - The Injustice of Social Media
[39:19] - Jesus Extends Grace
[39:46] - What is Grace?
[40:24] - Grace in the Bible
[41:23] - Grace is Offensive
[42:20] - Jesus' Challenge to the Accusers
[43:17] - The Law of Moses
[44:10] - Communicating God's Truth
[45:00] - Grace Releases Chains
[46:07] - Deconstruction and Church Hurt
[47:15] - Jesus and Cancel Culture
[48:10] - Judas and Corruption
[49:04] - Jesus' Presence Despite Evil
[50:08] - Embracing Difficulties
[51:16] - Personal Testimony
[52:08] - Physical Nearness to Jesus
[53:32] - Raising Children in Faith
[54:32] - Real Relationship with Jesus
[55:27] - Grace for You
[56:29] - Opportunity to Change
[57:10] - John 3:16-18
[58:23] - Jesus' Offer of Grace
[59:25] - Jesus Redeems, Not Cancels
[01:00:23] - Jesus Wants a Real Relationship
[01:00:55] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 7:53-8:11
2. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
3. Ephesians 2:8-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the Pharisees' intention when they brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus? ([37:40])
2. How did Jesus respond to the accusers of the adulterous woman? ([37:40])
3. According to the sermon, what does grace encompass beyond forgiveness? ([40:24])
4. What does the story of Judas teach us about physical nearness to Jesus? ([52:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to extend grace to the adulterous woman instead of condemning her? ([39:19])
2. How can grace be both offensive and transformative, as discussed in the sermon? ([41:23])
3. What are the potential dangers of deconstructing one's faith through the lens of bitterness? ([46:52])
4. How does Jesus' approach to Judas challenge our understanding of grace and cancel culture? ([47:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt wronged. How did you respond, and how might extending grace have changed the situation? ([41:23])
2. In what ways can you cultivate a genuine, life-giving relationship with Jesus beyond just attending church services? ([52:08])
3. Have you ever experienced church hurt or legalism? How did it affect your faith, and what steps can you take to reconstruct your faith in a healthy way? ([46:52])
4. How can you practice being "anti-cancel culture" in your daily interactions, especially with those who have wronged you? ([47:15])
5. Jesus told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more." What steps can you take to walk away from past sins and live a transformed life? ([56:29])
6. Think of someone in your life who might seem undeserving of grace. How can you extend grace to them this week? ([39:19])
7. How can you ensure that your faith is not just an outward appearance but a genuine relationship with Jesus? ([52:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Grace is Transformative and Challenging
Grace is wonderful when we are the recipients, but it can be offensive when extended to those who have wronged us. Jesus' act of grace towards the adulterous woman shows that grace is not just about forgiveness but also about offering a chance for transformation. This grace challenges us to extend the same to others, even when it feels unjust. Jesus' response to the accusers, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her," highlights the importance of self-reflection before passing judgment on others. Grace, therefore, is not just a passive pardon but an active invitation to change and grow.
In our daily lives, we often find it difficult to extend grace to those who have hurt us. However, Jesus' example teaches us that grace is a powerful tool for transformation, both for the giver and the receiver. By offering grace, we open the door for healing and change, allowing God's love to work in ways we might not initially understand. This transformative power of grace is what sets Christianity apart and calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. [41:23]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you extend grace to them today, even if it feels unjust?
Day 2: True Transformation Requires a Genuine Relationship with Jesus
Judas' story teaches us that being physically close to Jesus, hearing His teachings, and witnessing His miracles are not enough to transform a heart. True transformation requires a genuine, life-giving relationship with Jesus, not just outward appearances of faith. Judas was one of the twelve disciples, yet his heart was not truly transformed by his proximity to Jesus. This serves as a sobering reminder that external religious activities are not a substitute for an authentic relationship with Christ.
In our spiritual journey, it's easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions—attending church, participating in religious activities—without truly engaging our hearts. Jesus desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us, one that goes beyond mere rituals and traditions. This genuine connection with Jesus is what brings about true transformation, changing us from the inside out and aligning our lives with His will. [52:08]
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "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. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is it based on genuine love and connection, or merely on religious activities? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 3: Deconstruction Can Lead to Stronger Faith
The process of deconstructing one's faith, often due to church hurt or legalism, can lead to a stronger, more authentic faith if reconstructed properly. However, if done through the lens of bitterness, it can result in a permanent departure from faith. Deconstruction involves critically examining and questioning one's beliefs, which can be a healthy and necessary process for spiritual growth. However, it is crucial to approach this process with a heart open to God's guidance and a willingness to rebuild a stronger foundation of faith.
Many people experience church hurt or become disillusioned with legalistic practices, leading them to question their faith. While this can be a painful process, it also presents an opportunity to strip away false beliefs and rediscover the core truths of Christianity. By seeking God's wisdom and surrounding ourselves with supportive, faith-filled community, we can emerge from this process with a deeper, more resilient faith. [46:52]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Are there aspects of your faith that you need to deconstruct and rebuild? How can you approach this process with a heart open to God's guidance and a willingness to grow?
Day 4: Jesus is Anti-Cancel Culture
Jesus' response to the adulterous woman and Judas shows that He is fundamentally against cancel culture. He offers grace and opportunities for change, even to those who seem undeserving. This sets Christianity apart and challenges us to extend the same grace to others. In a world where people are quick to judge and condemn, Jesus' example calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. He sees beyond our mistakes and offers us the chance to change and grow.
Cancel culture often leaves no room for redemption or transformation, but Jesus' approach is radically different. He acknowledges our sins but offers us grace and the opportunity to start anew. This anti-cancel culture stance is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace and the importance of seeing others through the lens of God's love. [47:15]
Romans 12:14-18 (ESV): "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Reflection: Think of someone you have judged or condemned. How can you extend grace to them today, following Jesus' example of being anti-cancel culture?
Day 5: Grace is an Opportunity for Change
Jesus' grace is not just about pardoning our sins but also about empowering us to change. When He told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more," He offered her a new life free from her past. This grace is available to all of us, offering a chance to walk away from our accusers and live a transformed life. Grace is not a license to continue in sin but an invitation to embrace a new way of living, empowered by God's love and forgiveness.
In our own lives, we often struggle with guilt and shame from past mistakes. Jesus' grace offers us the freedom to let go of our past and embrace a new future. By accepting His grace, we are empowered to make positive changes and live in alignment with His will. This transformative power of grace is a gift that we can extend to others, helping them to experience the same freedom and new beginnings. [56:29]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What past mistakes or sins are you holding onto? How can you embrace Jesus' grace today and allow it to empower you to change and live a transformed life?
Quotes
1. "And then I started to feel that prick in my spirit, you know, that one that sometimes the Lord starts laying on your heart. And then I was like, oh, I can't imagine how she must feel. Like, I go to social media to kind of chill out, you know. And I was thinking, she can't even get on social media, and everyone is absolutely destroying her. Like, everyone hates her. She was getting death threats. And I was thinking, man, you know, the Lord loves her and her breakdancing, you know, even her terrible breakdancing." [36:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So here she is, surrounded by her accusers. Isn't that what Satan does? Satan is called the accuser of brethren. But what does this even mean? And in Revelations 12, 10, it says the devil has been standing before God day and night, accusing their brothers. And there is a side note, a footnote at the bottom that says ancestors. So we're in it too. He's accusing us too. Sounds familiar though. Sounds a lot like social media. Day and night accusing." [38:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Grace is forgiveness. But it's much more than that. Grace is giving favor. Unmerited favor. What's crazy is she had been caught. She had been sinning. She was caught in the act. And the Lord forgave her. He could have forgave her and still agree that she should be stoned. But with the man, as well. But she didn't get what she deserved. Even more, she walked away and was clean. That's grace. So, grace is the basis of our Christian faith." [40:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Grace is offensive. Have you ever thought about that? That grace is great when you're the one receiving grace. But grace is offensive when you're the one that's been wronged. We want to cancel. How dare they? Maybe it was your husband she was sleeping with. Man, I would have been, I would have been polished in my stone. And if you know me, you know this is very accurate." [41:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The world finds grace offensive. They want to cancel. But Jesus is anti-cancel culture. He saw the woman. He thought the best of her. Receiving grace does not mean there aren't repercussions. She walked away, but everyone still knew. Sure, she got off the hook. She was pardoned, but there was still consequences. Her husband now knows. It's all public. And the whispers probably started up again, or probably they actually never stopped." [44:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Grace gives you the opportunity that you don't have to be chained to who you once were. If you receive that, you can let go. And so many, even us as believers, are still going, no, but I still don't fully, I still don't trust Jesus fully. And even for us as believers, he's saying, let go of those chains. Let go. And that's what sets Jesus apart. Grace sets Jesus apart and sets Christianity apart." [45:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "People reject Jesus because of bad experiences with religious people. I get it. Been there. But here's the thing. Jesus had the bad experience with religious people too and they killed him. People, the church will always let you down, but Jesus won't. Jesus was still present even when Judas was. The presence of Judas did not make Jesus any less real, any less powerful, or any less present." [49:04] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus wants more than physical nearness with you. He wants your heart, your mind, your soul, and your body, and he wants you more than coming on a Sunday. If you're just showing up on Sundays because you want your kids raised in church, but you're Monday through Saturday, you're acting like a Judas, your kids are gonna see right through that. And Jesus does too. Just like he saw Judas for who he really was." [52:57] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus wants grace for you too. Your past, it doesn't define you. I know the world is screaming, you're too messed up. And even I struggle with that. I'm too messed up. I'm too messed up to be standing here. I deconstructed my faith. I don't deserve this. I've questioned Christianity before. You know, those are the things that the devil starts telling you. Like, you're not good enough." [55:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus wants a real relationship with you. If you've been hurt by a church, a believer in your past, it wasn't him. When everyone else was pointing their fingers at you, accusing you, canceling you, even if you were wrong, Jesus is extending his hand and asking, where are your accusers? He loves you, but he also wants you to go and sin no more. So isn't that great? But Jesus is offering us grace." [01:00:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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