Scandalous Grace: Embracing Transformation This Christmas

 

Summary

During this Christmas season, we gather to reflect on the profound love and grace of God, which is at the heart of our faith. Our vision at Victory Fellowship is to grow in love and go in love, extending God's love beyond our church walls into our communities and the world. This morning, we explored the theme of scandal, both in society and within the church, and how our faith in Christ is often seen as scandalous. We delved into John 8:2-12, where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery, a situation fraught with scandal and judgment.

In this passage, Jesus demonstrates a radical grace that challenges societal norms and religious legalism. The religious leaders sought to trap Jesus, but He responded with wisdom and compassion, highlighting the hypocrisy of the accusers and offering the woman forgiveness and a new path. This story illustrates the scandalous nature of grace, where Jesus, who is without sin, chooses not to condemn but to forgive and transform.

Our faith is rooted in the greatest scandal of all: Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This act of divine love and sacrifice is the foundation of our hopeful expectation. It reminds us that we are not saved by our goodness but by God's grace. As believers, we are called to live transformed lives, moving from scandal to God's mantle, clothed in His righteousness and empowered by His Spirit.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus, the light of the world, came to dispel darkness and offer us new life. Our response to this scandalous grace should be one of gratitude, transformation, and a commitment to follow Christ, allowing His light to shine through us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Scandal and Grace: Scandals are not new to God, and our faith itself is seen as scandalous. Jesus' encounter with the adulterous woman in John 8 shows that grace precedes judgment. He offers forgiveness and a new beginning, challenging us to extend the same grace to others. [20:58]

2. Hypocrisy and Judgment: The religious leaders' attempt to trap Jesus highlights the danger of hypocrisy and judgment. We must be cautious not to become like them, focusing on others' sins while ignoring our own. True faith involves self-examination and humility. [29:48]

3. The Greatest Scandal: Jesus, who was sinless, became sin for us, taking on our scandals and sins. This act of love and sacrifice is the greatest scandal, offering us righteousness and a relationship with God. It challenges us to embrace grace and live transformed lives. [39:54]

4. Light of the World: Jesus declares Himself the light of the world, offering guidance and hope. By following Him, we walk in light, not darkness, experiencing transformation and the fullness of life. This light dispels the darkness of sin and scandal in our lives. [42:56]

5. Transformation through Salvation: True salvation leads to transformation. As forgiven people, we are called to live differently, reflecting God's grace and love. Our past scandals do not define us; instead, we are clothed in God's mantle, empowered to live holy lives. [51:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:38] - Morning or Evening Person?
- [18:47] - Announcements and Events
- [20:58] - Introduction to Scandals
- [22:01] - Personal Scandal Story
- [23:44] - Scandalous Faith
- [25:15] - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman
- [26:57] - The Test of Jesus
- [28:09] - Jesus' Response
- [30:32] - Writing in the Dirt
- [33:22] - Accusers Depart
- [34:59] - Grace Before Judgment
- [39:34] - The Greatest Scandal
- [42:56] - Light of the World
- [51:42] - Transformation and Salvation
- [55:41] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 8:2-12
- 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 8:2-12, how did Jesus respond to the religious leaders who brought the woman caught in adultery? What was His approach to the situation? [26:57]

2. What was the reaction of the accusers after Jesus wrote on the ground and spoke to them? How did this change the situation for the woman? [33:22]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus declaring Himself as the "light of the world" in John 8:12? [42:56]

4. How does 2 Corinthians 5:21 describe the "greatest scandal" of Jesus taking on sin for humanity? [39:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the story of the woman caught in adultery teach about the nature of grace and judgment in the context of faith? How does this reflect on the character of Jesus? [34:59]

2. How does the concept of "scandalous grace" challenge traditional views of justice and forgiveness? What implications does this have for believers today? [41:41]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are called to live transformed lives as a result of Jesus' sacrifice? How does this transformation manifest in daily life? [51:42]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the danger of hypocrisy and judgment within the church community? What lessons can be drawn from Jesus' interaction with the religious leaders? [29:48]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt judged or condemned by others. How can the example of Jesus' response to the woman in John 8 inspire you to offer grace instead of judgment in similar situations? [34:59]

2. The sermon discusses the idea of moving from "scandal to God's mantle." What past "scandals" or mistakes in your life do you need to let go of to embrace God's grace and transformation? [46:36]

3. How can you actively demonstrate the "light of the world" in your community, especially during the Christmas season? What specific actions can you take to reflect Jesus' light? [42:56]

4. Consider the concept of "scandalous grace" as described in the sermon. How does this understanding of grace affect your view of forgiveness and reconciliation with others? [41:41]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of self-examination and humility. What steps can you take to ensure you are focusing on your own spiritual growth rather than judging others? [29:48]

6. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and transformation in response to the grace you have received through Jesus' sacrifice? What practical changes can you make in your daily life to reflect this gratitude? [51:42]

7. Identify one person in your life who might feel excluded or judged. How can you extend grace and inclusion to them, following the example of Jesus in the sermon? [29:48]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Scandalous Grace Precedes Judgment
In a world where scandals often lead to judgment and condemnation, the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman in John 8 reveals a different approach. Jesus demonstrates a radical grace that challenges societal norms and religious legalism. The religious leaders sought to trap Jesus, but He responded with wisdom and compassion, highlighting the hypocrisy of the accusers and offering the woman forgiveness and a new path. This story illustrates the scandalous nature of grace, where Jesus, who is without sin, chooses not to condemn but to forgive and transform. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend the same grace to others, recognizing that grace precedes judgment. [20:58]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a person or situation where you have been quick to judge. How can you extend grace instead of judgment today?


Day 2: The Danger of Hypocrisy and Judgment
The encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders in John 8 highlights the danger of hypocrisy and judgment. The leaders were quick to point out the sins of the woman caught in adultery, yet they failed to recognize their own shortcomings. Jesus' response to them serves as a reminder that true faith involves self-examination and humility. We must be cautious not to become like the religious leaders, focusing on others' sins while ignoring our own. Instead, we are called to examine our hearts and approach others with compassion and understanding. [29:48]

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. What steps can you take to cultivate humility and self-awareness in your interactions with others?


Day 3: Embracing the Greatest Scandal
The greatest scandal of all is that Jesus, who was sinless, became sin for us, taking on our scandals and sins. This act of love and sacrifice offers us righteousness and a relationship with God. It challenges us to embrace grace and live transformed lives. As believers, we are not saved by our goodness but by God's grace. This truth should lead us to a life of gratitude and transformation, moving from scandal to God's mantle, clothed in His righteousness and empowered by His Spirit. [39:54]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can you begin to embrace this grace and allow it to transform you today?


Day 4: Walking in the Light of the World
Jesus declares Himself the light of the world, offering guidance and hope. By following Him, we walk in light, not darkness, experiencing transformation and the fullness of life. This light dispels the darkness of sin and scandal in our lives. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came to dispel darkness and offer us new life. Our response to this scandalous grace should be one of gratitude, transformation, and a commitment to follow Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. [42:56]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area of your life where you feel darkness or confusion. How can you invite Jesus, the light of the world, into this area to bring clarity and hope?


Day 5: Transformation through Salvation
True salvation leads to transformation. As forgiven people, we are called to live differently, reflecting God's grace and love. Our past scandals do not define us; instead, we are clothed in God's mantle, empowered to live holy lives. This transformation is a journey, and as we grow in our faith, we are called to extend God's love beyond our church walls into our communities and the world. Let us commit to living transformed lives, moving from scandal to God's mantle, and allowing His Spirit to empower us daily. [51:42]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a specific change you have experienced since coming to faith. How can you continue to nurture this transformation and share God's love with those around you today?

Quotes

"Scandals are not a new phenomenon to our holy God. In fact, all you have to do is read the Bible from the very beginning, from Genesis to the New Testament, and you'll find numerous accounts of significant scandals, from Adam and Eve to Noah to Abraham to various other kings that ruled. And even the story of Jesus, no one has been immune to scandals, not even God himself." [00:20:58] (31 seconds)


"This woman was caught in a scandalous act. And so when they bring this woman in, they say, Teacher, this woman, we busted her committing this horrendous act, this atrocious, devious act. And here's the thing. Showing no compassion, but indignation and outrage, they throw this half-clothed woman down to the ground, treating her like a worthless object." [00:27:35] (28 seconds)


"See, the reality was, and they knew this too, that the Jews had no legal right to execute people since they were under Roman rule. Their thought process in all this, they thought if Jesus does not stone this woman, then he is allowing sin to continue. He knows the law because adultery is death. That's punishable by death." [00:28:55] (27 seconds)


"And as they continued to pepper Jesus with questions, demanding an answer, they kept peppering him and said, so what are you going to do about this woman, Rabbi? What are you going to do? What did Jesus do? He exposed their hearts. Once he finished writing, he stood up, looked them in the eyes, and said, you, any of you who have no sin, you can be the first to throw the stone." [00:32:35] (32 seconds)


"Jesus stood up and asked her, Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? And she said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, sin no more. Seeing the woman alone, Jesus said, Jesus asked her, woman, where are the men who accused you? Are any of them here? And she replied, no one, Lord." [00:34:18] (26 seconds)


"Good people don't go to heaven. Only forgiven people do. It's like, wow. That's so powerful. I don't know who Anon is. But whatever Anon. said, it made sense. I used to think that. I shared that a couple of months, a couple of years ago. Right, Kev? Like, who's this Anon guy? It stands for anonymous. Lon, I'm like, okay." [00:35:53] (22 seconds)


"Jesus, who never sinned, who was 100% holy and righteous because he was God, knew no sin, yet he became sin, so that what? That we might become holy and righteous for those who believe and trust in him. That's the greatest scandal of them all." [00:40:10] (20 seconds)


"See, we naturally feel outrage when innocent people are harmed or suffer. And this is the greatest scandal of them all. This is a valid response. But however, Jesus willingly became sin, took on our sins, so that we who believe in him would not be judged for our very own sins. It doesn't make sense, does it?" [00:40:30] (21 seconds)


"And again, Jesus spoke to them saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Light of life. Jesus says he is the light of the world. He is not sinful. He is not dark. He's not chaotic. It's not confused. He is pure light, righteous and holy." [00:42:56] (24 seconds)


"See, those who fully commit by believing in Christ as Lord and Savior, by believing in him as God, and we follow him as disciples, will not be controlled by darkness because darkness can't overshadow light. Jesus said, follow me. I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you will not walk blindly. You will not stumble around and search for guidance. You have me." [00:44:31] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?