Transformative Grace: Embracing Our Past in Christ
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the shadows of our past, much like Saul did. Our past doesn't simply vanish, but through Christ, it is redeemed. We are called into a new relationship with Him, becoming new creations. This transformation is not by our own power or decisions but through His grace. As we embrace this new life, we may find that the world around us reacts with resistance. Old friends may drift away, and we might face opposition. Yet, this is a natural part of our journey as followers of Christ. We are no longer of this world, and thus, we should expect resistance. However, we are not alone. Just as Saul had help, we too need a supportive community to stand with us.
The story of Saul reminds us that God's grace is transformative. It changes us from the inside out, erasing the sins of our past and making us resilient missionaries. We are called to persevere through trials, knowing that they produce maturity and completeness in us. The story of the demon-possessed man further illustrates this transformation. Once tormented, he was made whole by Jesus and tasked with sharing his testimony. This is a powerful reminder that our past does not disqualify us from God's purpose. Instead, it becomes a testament to His grace and power.
We need community and support to thrive in our faith. Saul found this in the disciples who accepted him despite his past. We, too, need a church that understands the value of grace and judgment-free acceptance. We are all enemies of God by nature, but His grace makes us friends and calls us to be resilient missionaries. This grace is irresistible and transformative, calling us to share our stories and the hope we have found in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Our past doesn't disappear, but in Christ, it is redeemed. We become new creations, not by our own efforts but through His grace. This transformation is a testament to God's power, changing us from the inside out. [31:59]
- As new believers, we may face resistance from the world. Old friends might drift away, and we may encounter opposition. Yet, this is a natural part of our journey, and God's grace equips us to handle it. [33:52]
- Trials and resistance are part of the Christian journey, but they produce perseverance and maturity. We are called to be resilient missionaries, proclaiming Christ despite opposition. [36:49]
- Our past does not disqualify us from God's purpose. Instead, it becomes a testament to His grace and power. We are called to share our stories and the hope we have found in Christ. [44:07]
- Community and support are essential for thriving in our faith. Like Saul, we need a church that understands the value of grace and judgment-free acceptance. We are all enemies of God by nature, but His grace makes us friends and calls us to be resilient missionaries. [47:39]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:59] - Redemption of Our Past
[33:52] - Facing Resistance
[36:49] - Perseverance Through Trials
[40:34] - The Need for Community
[44:07] - Transformative Grace
[47:39] - Saul's Acceptance
[51:07] - God's Irresistible Grace
[54:11] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2. James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
3. Ephesians 2:1-5 - "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world... But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about our identity in Christ? How does this relate to the transformation Saul experienced? [31:59]
2. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of facing trials, and how does this connect to Saul's journey as a new believer? [36:49]
3. How did the community of believers respond to Saul when he attempted to join them in Jerusalem, and what role did Barnabas play in this situation? [47:39]
4. In Ephesians 2:1-5, what is the contrast between our past and our new life in Christ, and how does this passage emphasize the role of grace? [51:07]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ challenge the way believers view their past mistakes and sins? [31:59]
2. What might be some reasons that trials and resistance are considered essential for spiritual growth and maturity according to James 1:2-4? [36:49]
3. How does the story of Saul's acceptance by the disciples illustrate the importance of community in the Christian faith? [47:39]
4. In what ways does Ephesians 2:1-5 highlight the transformative power of grace, and how can this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [51:07]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt resistance or opposition because of your faith. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now? [33:52]
2. Consider your current community of believers. How can you contribute to creating an environment of grace and acceptance for new believers like Saul experienced? [40:34]
3. Identify a past mistake or sin that you struggle to let go of. How can the truth of being a "new creation" in Christ help you move forward? [31:59]
4. Think about a trial you are currently facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth and maturity in your faith? [36:49]
5. How can you actively share your testimony of transformation with others, as the demon-possessed man did after being healed by Jesus? [44:07]
6. What steps can you take to ensure you are surrounded by a supportive community that encourages your spiritual growth and resilience? [47:39]
7. Reflect on the role of grace in your life. How can you extend that same grace to others who may feel like outsiders or enemies of God? [51:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Redemption Through Christ's Grace
In our journey of faith, we often carry the weight of our past mistakes and regrets. However, through Christ, our past is not erased but redeemed. This redemption is not something we achieve through our own efforts; it is a gift of grace that transforms us from the inside out. As new creations in Christ, we are called to embrace this transformation and live in the freedom it brings. This change is a testament to God's power, showing that no matter how dark our past may be, His grace is sufficient to make us new. [31:59]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: What part of your past do you struggle to believe is redeemed by Christ? How can you begin to live in the freedom of being a new creation today?
Day 2: Embracing Resistance as Part of the Journey
As we step into our new identity in Christ, we may encounter resistance from the world around us. Old friends might drift away, and we may face opposition. This resistance is a natural part of our journey as followers of Christ, as we are no longer of this world. God's grace equips us to handle these challenges, reminding us that we are not alone. Embracing this resistance can strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on God. [33:52]
John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
Reflection: Who in your life has shown resistance to your faith journey? How can you respond to them with grace and love, even in the face of opposition?
Day 3: Perseverance Through Trials
Trials and resistance are inevitable in the Christian journey, but they serve a greater purpose. They produce perseverance, maturity, and completeness in us. As resilient missionaries, we are called to proclaim Christ despite opposition, knowing that these challenges refine our character and deepen our faith. Embracing trials with a perspective of growth allows us to see them as opportunities for God to work in and through us. [36:49]
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: What current trial are you facing that you can view as an opportunity for growth? How can you invite God into this situation to help you persevere?
Day 4: Our Past as a Testament to God's Grace
Our past does not disqualify us from God's purpose; instead, it becomes a powerful testament to His grace and power. Like the demon-possessed man who was made whole by Jesus, we are called to share our stories and the hope we have found in Christ. Our testimonies of transformation can inspire others and point them to the redemptive power of God's love. [44:07]
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
Reflection: How can you use your past experiences to encourage someone else in their faith journey today? What specific story of transformation can you share to testify to God's grace?
Day 5: The Importance of Community and Support
Community and support are essential for thriving in our faith. Just as Saul found acceptance and support among the disciples, we too need a church that values grace and judgment-free acceptance. We are all enemies of God by nature, but His grace makes us friends and calls us to be resilient missionaries. Being part of a supportive community helps us grow in our faith and fulfill our calling to share the hope we have in Christ. [47:39]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to for support and encouragement this week? How can you also be a source of grace and acceptance for someone else in your community?
Quotes
"Saul's past didn't go away. Our past doesn't go away. There are things that we've experienced in our life that have left a scar. Perhaps there's still a pain regarding a loss or a brokenness of some sort. Our past doesn't go away. But Christ redeems our past. He calls us from it into a new relationship with him." [00:31:42] (44 seconds)
"As a new believer, you may find that your old circle of friends doesn't call on you like they used to. They begin to socialize without you because your life is different. You are voicing Jesus. You are living different habits. And sometimes then the world wants to dump us. Because we're no longer part of their world." [00:34:22] (35 seconds)
"When you become a vibrant follower, then you realize that you're no longer part of the world. Then you're going to recognize resistance from that world. You may share Christ with someone and they're not that receptive. There may be someone who tells you, please don't ever bring that up again." [00:36:36] (26 seconds)
"You may find strong resistance from the world. You may lose friends. You may find yourself in some uncomfortable circumstances. But again, because of God's work, because of his grace, we can deal with it. Saul met resistance. They wanted to kill him. In fact, it got so bad that some of his friends had to drop him out the side wall of the city." [00:37:02] (41 seconds)
"The beauty of what Christ does for us with his grace is he removes it. The Bible says as far as the east is from the west and he doesn't remember it. He doesn't remember it. Oh, we will. But he doesn't. So we're going to face some opposition. We're going to need help. We're going to need help. Paul had help." [00:39:52] (33 seconds)
"We need a church that gets it. We always talk about being judgment free. Now you have to have recognized something to be judged for. To recognize how valuable judge free is. If you don't have any hiccup, you think you're one notch below Jesus, two notches above Billy Graham. If that's who you think you are. I'm sad to report. You're not." [00:40:34] (46 seconds)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith life produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking any. We have to let God do the work. If the trials come, we recognize them and we accept them because they're going to do a work in our life and cause us to persevere." [00:41:57] (42 seconds)
"Beloved, you can't let your old life disqualify you from what God has for you. God's grace has taken care of the old, and behold, the new is coming. Saul knew that. Saul just kept going. But he needed help. Let's look at our final piece of the puzzle. And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples." [00:47:39] (34 seconds)
"So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Yeah, it multiplied. Why? Because the story... grace is irresistible. The story of acceptance, forgiveness, God's mercy, His grace, that is hard to walk away from." [00:49:17] (40 seconds)
"Paul may have quit if he were on his own, but he was surrounded by other disciples of Christ. Listen, we want to know that in our church we're surrounded by folks of like mind, like energy, like desire to serve God and to share Him. We want other resilient missionaries beside us. We want to know that we have support and we have help because verse seven is so true." [00:49:55] (39 seconds)
"But being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace, you have been saved. Hallelujah. Amen. Praise the Lord. We have reason to not just stand this morning. We have reason to jump. We have reason to turn this into a rage." [00:52:57] (41 seconds)
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