Salvation: A Gift of Grace, Not Earned
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound message from Galatians 5, focusing on the theme "Given, Not Earned." This theme underscores the essence of salvation as a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not something we can earn through our works. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, addresses the false teachings that had infiltrated the church, suggesting that salvation required adherence to the law in addition to faith in Christ. Paul clarifies that salvation is solely through faith, but he also emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects this faith.
Paul's message is not a contradiction but a deeper explanation of the role of works in a believer's life. While salvation is a gift, the way we live our lives should demonstrate the transformation that faith brings. We are called to walk by the Spirit, which means living in a way that reflects the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not just ideals but the evidence of a life led by the Spirit.
The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is real and ongoing. Paul acknowledges this internal conflict, reminding us that while we are saved by grace, we must choose daily to feed our spirit rather than our sinful nature. This choice determines which part of us will prevail. Feeding the Spirit involves engaging in practices that draw us closer to God, such as prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in community with other believers.
Paul's transparency about his own struggles provides comfort and encouragement. It's okay to struggle and to not have everything figured out. The key is to keep striving, to keep feeding the Spirit, and to keep walking in the light of God's grace. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the Spirit, attracting others to the love and grace of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Salvation as a Gift: Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not something we earn through works. This foundational truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and invites us to live in the freedom of His grace. [12:46]
- Living by the Spirit: Walking by the Spirit means allowing the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in our lives. This is not about perfection but about a genuine pursuit of Christ-like character, which naturally flows from a life surrendered to God. [21:05]
- The Internal Conflict: The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is a daily reality. Our choices determine which part of us will grow stronger. By feeding the Spirit through spiritual disciplines, we empower it to overcome the desires of the flesh. [25:30]
- Transparency in Struggles: It's okay to struggle and to not have everything figured out. Paul's honesty about his own struggles encourages us to be real about our challenges and to rely on God's grace to keep moving forward. [34:22]
- Impact of a Spirit-Led Life: A life led by the Spirit is attractive to others and serves as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the transformative power of the Spirit, drawing others to Christ. [39:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Classes
- [03:30] - Introduction to Galatians Series
- [05:15] - Understanding Salvation: Given, Not Earned
- [08:00] - The Role of Works in a Believer's Life
- [10:45] - Reading from Galatians 5:13-26
- [12:46] - Salvation as a Gift of Grace
- [15:30] - Walking by the Spirit
- [18:00] - The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit
- [21:05] - Feeding the Spirit vs. Feeding the Flesh
- [25:30] - Transparency in Struggles
- [28:45] - Consequences of Habitual Sin
- [31:30] - Earthly and Eternal Consequences
- [34:22] - Impact of a Spirit-Led Life
- [39:49] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 5:13-26
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free"? How does he suggest we use this freedom? [10:45]
2. According to Galatians 5, what are the acts of the flesh, and how do they contrast with the fruit of the Spirit? [18:00]
3. How does Paul describe the internal conflict between the flesh and the Spirit? What are the implications of this struggle for believers? [25:30]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize that salvation is a gift and not earned through works? How does this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [05:15]
2. In what ways does Paul suggest that living by the Spirit should manifest in a believer's life? How does this relate to the concept of Christian freedom? [21:05]
3. How does Paul's transparency about his own struggles with sin provide comfort and encouragement to believers today? [25:30]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be trying to earn God's favor rather than accepting His grace? How can you shift your mindset to embrace salvation as a gift? [05:15]
2. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you find challenging to exhibit. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate this trait in your interactions with others? [21:05]
3. Consider the internal conflict between the flesh and the Spirit in your life. What are some specific ways you can "feed the Spirit" to strengthen your spiritual walk? [25:30]
4. Paul talks about the importance of community in feeding the Spirit. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to support your spiritual growth? [39:49]
5. Think of a recent struggle or challenge you faced. How can Paul's example of transparency in struggles encourage you to be more open about your own challenges with fellow believers? [25:30]
6. How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others in love, as Paul instructs? Identify one person or group you can serve this week and plan a specific action to take. [10:45]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to reconnect and ensure that your life reflects the transformative power of the Spirit? [34:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Salvation as a Gift of Grace
Salvation is a profound gift from God, given freely through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something that can be earned through human effort or adherence to the law. This truth liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and invites them to live in the freedom of His grace. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, addresses the false teachings that suggested salvation required adherence to the law in addition to faith in Christ. He clarifies that salvation is solely through faith, emphasizing that it is a gift, not a reward for works. This understanding should lead believers to a life of gratitude and freedom, knowing that their relationship with God is secure in His grace. [12:46]
"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your actions? How can you embrace the freedom of His grace today?
Day 2: Walking by the Spirit
Living by the Spirit means allowing the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in one's life. This is not about achieving perfection but about a genuine pursuit of Christ-like character, which naturally flows from a life surrendered to God. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to walk by the Spirit, which involves living in a way that reflects love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just ideals but the evidence of a life led by the Spirit. As believers walk by the Spirit, they demonstrate the transformation that faith brings, attracting others to the love and grace of Jesus. [21:05]
"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." (Galatians 5:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate this fruit more intentionally?
Day 3: The Internal Conflict
The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is a daily reality for believers. This internal conflict requires a conscious choice to feed the Spirit rather than the sinful nature. The Apostle Paul acknowledges this struggle, reminding believers that while they are saved by grace, they must choose daily to engage in practices that draw them closer to God. Feeding the Spirit involves spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in community with other believers. These practices empower the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh, leading to a life that reflects God's transformative power. [25:30]
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to feed the Spirit and weaken the desires of the flesh?
Day 4: Transparency in Struggles
It's okay to struggle and to not have everything figured out. The Apostle Paul's honesty about his own struggles encourages believers to be real about their challenges and to rely on God's grace to keep moving forward. Transparency in struggles allows believers to experience God's grace more fully and to grow in their faith. It also creates a sense of community and support among believers, as they share their journeys and encourage one another. By being open about their struggles, believers can find comfort and strength in knowing they are not alone and that God's grace is sufficient for them. [34:22]
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more transparent about your struggles? How can you seek support and encouragement from your faith community?
Day 5: Impact of a Spirit-Led Life
A life led by the Spirit is attractive to others and serves as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers' actions and attitudes should reflect the transformative power of the Spirit, drawing others to Christ. When believers live by the Spirit, they become a living testament to the grace and love of Jesus, impacting those around them. This impact is not just about words but about living a life that embodies the values and character of Christ. By doing so, believers can inspire others to seek the same transformative relationship with God. [39:49]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can your life serve as a testimony to God's love and grace today? What specific actions can you take to reflect the Spirit's transformative power to those around you?
Quotes
"There's a war going on within. There's an eternal, there's a conflict that is going on within us. It is a conflict between the spirit and the flesh. It is a conflict between doing what's right and doing what's wrong. It's a conflict between walking in the spirit and walking in our sinful nature. There is a conflict." [00:17:27] (18 seconds)
"Why is sinful nature going to win? Because I've been feeding sinful nature every day, multiple times a day. Sinful nature is fed. Sinful nature is full. Sinful nature is strong. Sinful nature is ready to go. And I've been starving. Poor little spirit over here. I barely gave it anything. I gave it my leftovers. I gave it some crumbs." [00:22:20] (22 seconds)
"And if we want to see the fruit of the spirit in our lives, we have to be more intentional to flip the script. We got to take what we've been feeding that one. We've got to now give it to spirit and we got to take what we starved. We ain't going to be perfect. So there's some in there and now we need to switch it." [00:23:30] (18 seconds)
"Paul says, I don't really understand myself. You and every, anyways, for, I want to do what is right, but I don't do it instead I do what I hate but if I know what I am doing is wrong this shows that I agree that the law is good so I am not the one doing wrong it is sin living in me that does." [00:26:22] (20 seconds)
"Paul is not condemning the church he's not condemning people who have sin issues that are trying he's speaking to those Christians in the church who are playing the game and habitually locked up in a sinful nature and sinful practice that they are continuously going back to and going back to and indulging in without recognizing that they need to feed their spirit." [00:28:45] (27 seconds)
"Jesus said you will know a tree by its fruit so that means I can't judge a book by its cover because based on how you're living your life will determine what's really going on on the inside and if I can tell you anything about unchurched people if I can tell you anything about people who don't know Jesus or go to church you know that they don't care what church you go to." [00:31:47] (19 seconds)
"Find to read your Bible. Do things that are going to get you in rhythm and emotion. And here's the beauty. When you taste and see the goodness of the Lord that no longer looks attractive. That no longer creates an appetite because I've died to my flesh to be resurrected by His Spirit that lives in me." [00:39:49] (24 seconds)
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