Living in Grace: Discipleship and Transformation in Christ
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound message of Galatians, focusing on the transformative power of God's grace and the call to live as disciples of Christ. The essence of Galatians is captured in the idea that our identity in Christ should be rooted in His grace, which should permeate every aspect of our being. This grace is not just something we receive but something that defines us, leading us to love and reflect Christ to others.
We began by visualizing Jesus, encouraging us to consider how our mental image of Him shapes our faith and actions. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, dismantles the notion that adherence to the law is necessary for salvation, emphasizing that it is through Christ alone that we are saved. This grace is a gift from God, not earned by our works, and it transforms us, giving us a new nature through the Holy Spirit.
Paul urges us to walk in the Spirit, to crucify the flesh, and to live by the Spirit's power. This involves being fearless life givers, intervening gently in the lives of others, and knowing our limitations. As disciples, we are called to be 2 a.m. friends, ready to carry each other's burdens, embodying the agape love that Christ demonstrated. This love is unconditional and sacrificial, reflecting the love Christ showed us through His death on the cross.
Furthermore, we are reminded that our mission is an everyday, everyone, everywhere endeavor. We are to sow and reap in the Spirit, honoring those who have sown into us and reproducing disciples through our actions. This relentless pursuit of the mission requires us to not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Ultimately, the call is to live out the picture of Jesus in the church, to be a community that reflects His love and grace to the world. This is our opportunity, our moment to sow in the Spirit and make an eternal impact in the lives of those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ's Grace: Our identity should be deeply rooted in the grace of Christ, which transforms us and leads us to love others. This grace is not earned but is a gift from God, shaping our actions and interactions with others. [14:15]
2. Walking in the Spirit: We are called to walk in the Spirit, crucifying the flesh and living by the Spirit's power. This involves being fearless life givers, intervening gently, and knowing our limitations. [19:33]
3. Agape Love and Burden Bearing: As disciples, we are to embody agape love, carrying each other's burdens and reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ. This love is unconditional and is the hallmark of a true Christian community. [42:59]
4. Everyday Mission: Our mission is an everyday, everyone, everywhere endeavor. We are to sow and reap in the Spirit, honoring those who have sown into us and reproducing disciples through our actions. [48:29]
5. Relentless Pursuit of Good: We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This relentless pursuit of good reflects the heart of Christ and makes an eternal impact. [56:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[14:15] - Visualizing Jesus
[15:56] - The Transformative Power of Grace
[17:05] - The Picture of Jesus in Our Minds
[17:53] - Christ Alone for Salvation
[19:33] - Walking in the Spirit
[21:03] - Characteristics of a Disciple
[22:12] - Fearless Life Givers
[26:20] - Living by the Spirit
[27:22] - Watching Over Each Other
[28:35] - Intervening Gently
[31:22] - The Strength of Gentleness
[34:17] - Knowing Our Limitations
[37:26] - 2 a.m. Friends
[42:59] - Agape Love and Burden Bearing
[48:29] - Sowing and Reaping in the Spirit
[56:27] - Relentless Pursuit of Good
[59:00] - Opportunity to Do Good
[59:37] - Closing Prayer and Confession
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 5:16-26
2. Galatians 6:1-10
3. John 13:34-35
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life according to Galatians 5:16-26? How does this relate to the concept of "walking in the Spirit"? [19:33]
2. In Galatians 6:1-2, what specific actions does Paul encourage believers to take when someone is caught in sin? How does this reflect the idea of being a "fearless life giver"? [21:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "agape love" and its importance in a Christian community? [42:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between sowing and reaping in the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7-9? [54:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the mental image of Jesus that we hold influence our faith and actions, according to the sermon? Why is it important to have a clear and accurate picture of Jesus? [17:05]
2. What does it mean to "crucify the flesh" and "live by the Spirit's power" in practical terms, as discussed in the sermon? How can this be applied in daily life? [19:33]
3. The sermon mentions being a "2 a.m. friend." What does this concept entail, and how does it align with the biblical call to carry each other's burdens? [37:26]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of not growing weary in doing good, and what implications does this have for a believer's perseverance in their faith journey? [56:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current mental image of Jesus. How does this image shape your daily decisions and interactions with others? Is there an aspect of Jesus' character you feel called to focus on more deeply? [17:05]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to "walk in the Spirit." What practical steps can you take this week to align more closely with the Spirit's guidance? [19:33]
3. Think of a person in your life who may be "caught in sin." How can you approach them with gentleness and love, as encouraged in Galatians 6:1-2? What fears might you need to overcome to do this? [21:03]
4. Consider the concept of being a "2 a.m. friend." Is there someone in your community who might need your support during inconvenient times? How can you prepare yourself to be available for them? [37:26]
5. Reflect on the idea of sowing and reaping in the Spirit. What are some specific ways you can sow into your spiritual life and the lives of others this week? [54:27]
6. How can you cultivate "agape love" in your relationships, especially with those who may be difficult to love? What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate unconditional love? [42:59]
7. The sermon encourages not growing weary in doing good. What are some challenges you face in maintaining perseverance in your faith journey, and how can you address them? [56:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Rooted in Grace
Our identity in Christ is not based on our achievements or adherence to the law but is deeply rooted in the grace that He freely gives. This grace is transformative, shaping every aspect of our lives and interactions with others. It is a gift from God, not something we earn, and it calls us to love others as Christ loves us. When we embrace this grace, it becomes the foundation of our identity, leading us to live lives that reflect Christ's love and compassion. [14:15]
Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."
Reflection: How can you allow the grace of Christ to redefine your identity today, especially in areas where you feel the need to prove yourself?
Day 2: Walking in the Spirit
Walking in the Spirit involves a conscious decision to live by the Spirit's power, crucifying the desires of the flesh. This means being fearless in giving life to others, intervening gently when needed, and understanding our limitations. It is a call to live a life that is led by the Spirit, allowing His power to guide our actions and decisions. As we walk in the Spirit, we become more attuned to His leading and more effective in our mission to reflect Christ to the world. [19:33]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to rely more on the Spirit's power rather than your own strength?
Day 3: Agape Love and Burden Bearing
As disciples of Christ, we are called to embody agape love, which is unconditional and sacrificial. This love is demonstrated through carrying each other's burdens and reflecting the love of Christ in our communities. It is a love that goes beyond mere words and is shown through actions that uplift and support others. By bearing one another's burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ and create a community that mirrors His love and grace. [42:59]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your life is carrying a heavy burden right now, and how can you practically help them bear it this week?
Day 4: Everyday Mission
Our mission as followers of Christ is an everyday, everyone, everywhere endeavor. We are called to sow and reap in the Spirit, honoring those who have invested in us and reproducing disciples through our actions. This mission is not confined to specific times or places but is a continuous effort to reflect Christ in all we do. By living out this mission, we make an eternal impact in the lives of those around us, bringing the love and grace of Christ to every corner of our world. [48:29]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to live out your mission as a disciple of Christ in your everyday life?
Day 5: Relentless Pursuit of Good
We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This relentless pursuit of good reflects the heart of Christ and makes an eternal impact. It requires perseverance and faith, trusting that our efforts will bear fruit in God's perfect timing. By continually seeking to do good, we align ourselves with God's purposes and become instruments of His love and grace in the world. [56:27]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What is one good work you have been tempted to give up on, and how can you find renewed strength to continue in it today?
Quotes
"I mean, show me who you are. I mean, he just showed us it's all about God. It's all about God. Let it fill my heart. The God, Paul is like, I want this grace to fill your heart. I want it to be at your very essence of who you are. Not just something of what you do, what you receive, but like who you are in your identity, that it would lead you in love. That you build, right? He said, we had that chorus, build from your love, your grace." [00:13:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so Paul's like, you know, invites us to stay in step with the Spirit. Walk in the Spirit. Walk in the Spirit. Walk in the Spirit. Walk in the Spirit. Walk in that power. And how did he do that? We talked about it. He said, crucified at flesh. And so Wednesday night, we crucified the flesh. And we received Christ, who died for our flesh to give us a new nature, to wash us clean, to renew us in a right spirit, in a right heart, that we can delight in Him, but walk in Him and do His will and live by the power of His Spirit." [00:19:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"one paul says brothers and sisters if someone is caught in a sin you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently but watch yourselves or you also may be tempted now it's rather easy for us to read this to say look if someone's caught in sin you just you know you go restore them i don't know about you but when i read this exhort to go do this because i've done and i've worked with people this is this is maybe easily more easily said than done in fact to think about it and think about the situations it actually still brings back some of the fear that we felt when we attempted or we did this because there's this incredible fear that all this could just blow up in your face right if you go to help somebody in their sin they're caught in their notice it's not like hey they just sin we all sin and that's part of the fear that we have if i start to say hey you are you're you're caught up in a sin and you're getting pulled away from god it's easy for that person to say well look at your life and you're like you're right i'm a sinner i got i got holes too and so who what authority what right do i have to call out your sin i mean doesn't jesus say take the log out of your own eye before you take the speck out of your brother so there is this point right that it's not just sin it's caught up it's being captured by sin that is breaking their fellowship with other believers and with their father" [00:22:12] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"so what can give you and i courage to do something because there's no guarantees the courage comes for you who live what they say by the spirit by the spirit you gotta live by the spirit because the spirit of god will give you discernment whether to step in and how to step in the spirit of god will give you the power because you gotta walk by the spirit because you gotta realize this is not a human endeavor" [00:25:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Intervening, the goal of intervening is to restore, to restore them to Christ in the future. Family of faith and their relationships. The goal is not to fix. The goal is not to punish. The goal is not to guilt or shame, but to restore. Jesus came to help restore what was lost and what was broken." [00:29:38] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"one of the things i learned so much about being respectful respectful and being respectful means that just because it's not a problem for you and you think it should be easy and you don't understand it's not being respectful of who that person is or you've been able to overcome this and you don't understand why they can't overcome it you're not respecting who they are they're a different person they have a different personality have different experiences they respond differently to things than you do they maybe didn't have those other people speak in your life or forever you're not respecting who they are you're not respecting who they are you're not respecting reason, what I always say, I don't know why, for every reason it had to be God, that there's temptations that didn't affect me as it affected my friends. And I was saying no, and they were saying yes. I don't understand, but God gave me that ability to do it on my own. I should have been just like my friends, and I should have been in a better, I mean, a road of death and destruction of my own sinful choices." [00:29:55] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so there's respecting that this person is made up of so much more that it's different to me, and so they're in a different place than I am. And so when I look at those problems, I got to respect who they are as an individual, and it requires empathy, compassion. And you realize that what has them in this place, maybe I don't understand. I don't have to, I just got to love. And it is a problem. In that, we also have to speak the truth. But realize you're talking to a person who already is broken inside." [00:30:52] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"so how do you carry each other's burdens number one ready to listen and help we have a posture that says we are ready to listen and help and as we say 2 a .m because that's what most we're sleeping it's an inconvenient time and we're saying hey even the most inconvenient time we are going to be available even when it's a time of uh as as the one guy wrote in the social media that we're going to be available we're going to be available as night time comes it seems like the social media gremlins come out at night that's where the temptations come along most of the time for people it's after nine o 'clock at night especially at 2 a .m it's like you know my parents you say you got to be home at midnight because nothing good happens after 2 a .m right and so this like we want to be available in the worst of worst times to help carry each other's burdens i was reflecting on a life of jesus ministry and i was thinking you know jesus when you when you went around and you and you did ministry on this um how did you handle burdens how did you handle your own burdens because jesus told us in this life it's going to be hard it's going to be troubles i mean we're all going to face burdens and it's interesting that i can only find like three things where i see jesus talk about his burdens one time where he's talking to a guy and he says you know the son of man has no place to lay his head to rest now is jesus complaining about that burden i don't think so i think he's using it as a teaching to say look if you're going to follow him you're going to have to follow me you're going to realize it i don't have a home i'm moving there's no place to lay my head so that's part of the burden of ministry jesus also really doesn't has a place where he was overburdened when he's carrying the cross to the to be crucified he couldn't care anymore but it wasn't like jesus was complaining he just couldn't carry it the only place in scripture i see jesus crying out about the burden of ministry is in the garden of gethsemane and who's he crying out to huh to god right god is there another way i mean he's crying he's he's sweating blood this is this is anxious time right the burden is so huge but what happens in that time after that long time of prayer he is supercharged by god actually scripture says and angels came and ministered to jesus i don't know what that's like but that's interesting and what did jesus do he said he set his face to the cross like flint he was fixed on the cross no matter what and i say that because we ought to carry each other's burdens" [00:38:45] (157 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"but i think in our american culture it's become common that we just kind of go and complain to everybody expect everybody to carry our burdens and if we're always unloading our burdens on other people how are we going to carry other people's burdens jesus carried everybody else's burdens but he only carried he carried everybody's burdens to the cross but why he did his earthly ministry realized he did not carry every person's burden as he walked he didn't heal every single person he didn't listen every single person he did a lot more than scripture says that was just the highlights but he didn't do everybody but here's my question for you when you're doing your life are you looking for others to carry you your burdens or are you looking to carry others' burdens?" [00:41:23] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Agape. Agape is God's love. Agape love is not transactional. It's not like, hey, if you've been good to me, I'll be good back to you. It's not, if you've been bad to me, I'll be bad to you. It's, I'm going to be good to you regardless. It's not going to change. This is the way I'm going to love you every single day all the time. It's unconditional love. That's agape love that God has for you. And that's what he's given you to give to others. Not be conditional. They said hi or they greeted you the right way. They recognized you. They sent you a card. No. Just agape love is what the church is to be." [00:44:48] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"That's why we walk in the Spirit. We stay in step with the Spirit. We follow the Spirit because we are to sow in the Spirit. And if we sow in the Spirit, we will reap in the Spirit. And here's how Paul tells us to sow. In number one, he says, Honor those who have sown in you. Galatians 6 .6. It says, Those who have taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. The Apostle Paul is emphasizing, that there is a sacred relationship between the pastor, the teacher, and those who hear the word from him." [00:48:52] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Therefore, the Apostle Paul is saying, you need to provide. Provide for your teachers. Sow into them. Provide financially, materially. But the Apostle Paul also says, sharing, all good things. Which means we share in the faith journey together. That you pray for, you encourage, you actively participate, you become a partner, as Paul would say, in the gospel, in the ministry together. You're not just a bystander, you're not just taking it in, filling a spot, but you are on mission together, united." [00:50:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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