Unstuck by Grace: Embracing Freedom in Christ
Summary
In today's message, I shared my journey of discovering the profound and liberating power of grace. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recounted a time when I felt overwhelmed by the standards I had set for myself, leading to a period of spiritual wilderness. It was during this time that I realized the futility of trying to earn God's favor through my own efforts. I had been caught in a cycle of performance, believing that my salvation depended on my ability to adhere to a set of rules and behaviors. However, through a personal encounter with God's grace, I came to understand that Jesus had already fulfilled the law on my behalf. This revelation transformed my understanding of grace from a mere concept to a living reality.
Grace is not just a theological idea; it is the very essence of our relationship with God. It is the voice that calls us to change and empowers us to do so. Grace is what unsticks us from the burdens of self-reliance and performance-based faith. It is the promise that we are not alone in our struggles, and that Jesus is with us, regardless of our failures or successes. This understanding of grace is crucial for those who feel stuck in their spiritual journey, as it offers a way out of the cycle of self-condemnation and into the freedom of living in Christ.
I also shared a personal story about my daughter, Cara Joy, who, despite her traumatic brain injury, embodies the joy and resilience that grace can bring. Her journey illustrates how we can become stuck in life, whether through circumstances, relationships, or our own expectations. Yet, just as I would not leave Cara stuck, God does not leave us in our stuck places. He invites us to rely on the body of Christ, to seek help, and to embrace the grace that He freely offers.
In closing, I encouraged everyone to examine their own lives and consider whether they have truly been changed by grace. Have you allowed grace to unstick you from trying to save yourself? Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens, promising rest and freedom. Let us open our hearts to His gentle and lowly heart, and trust Him with our deepest struggles.
Key Takeaways:
1. Grace Over Performance: Many of us set high standards for ourselves, believing that our worth is tied to our ability to perform. However, grace teaches us that Jesus has already fulfilled the law on our behalf, freeing us from the burden of self-reliance. This understanding allows us to live in the freedom of Christ, knowing that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His grace. [07:24]
2. The Power of Grace to Unstick Us: We often find ourselves stuck in life, whether due to personal failures, grief, or unmet expectations. Grace is the divine force that unsticks us, offering a way out of the cycle of self-condemnation and into the freedom of living in Christ. It is a promise that we are not alone in our struggles, and that Jesus is with us, regardless of our failures or successes. [12:44]
3. The Role of Community in Grace: Just as the body of Christ is interconnected, we need each other to experience the fullness of grace. God often uses others to help unstick us from our struggles, reminding us that we are not meant to journey alone. Embracing community allows us to experience the grace of God in tangible ways. [18:35]
4. Grace as a Promise, Not a Command: The law, once a source of condemnation, becomes a promise through grace. Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, transforming it from a list of demands into a promise of freedom. This shift in perspective allows us to live in the assurance that we are righteous in Christ, not by our own efforts. [25:00]
5. Embracing Weakness Through Grace: God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Instead of hiding our weaknesses, we are invited to bring them to Jesus, who delights in taking them and transforming them through His grace. This vulnerability allows us to experience the fullness of His strength and love. [32:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:53] - Introduction to Grace
- [04:22] - Personal Journey of Wilderness
- [05:58] - Realization of Grace
- [07:24] - The Trap of Performance
- [08:59] - Hidden Beliefs and Grace
- [12:44] - Unstuck by Grace
- [18:35] - Community and Connection
- [24:07] - Law Fulfilled by Grace
- [25:00] - Grace as a Promise
- [26:27] - Relationship with Christ
- [29:24] - Grace for All Levels
- [32:18] - Embracing Weakness
- [33:39] - Invitation to Rest
- [36:29] - Prayer and Response
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Grace
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2. John 1:14-17 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
#### Observation Questions
1. What personal experiences did the pastor share about feeling overwhelmed by self-imposed standards and how did this relate to his understanding of grace? [04:22]
2. How does the pastor describe the role of grace in freeing us from performance-based faith? [07:24]
3. What story did the pastor share about his daughter, Cara Joy, and how does it illustrate the concept of being "unstuck" by grace? [12:44]
4. According to the pastor, how does the community play a role in experiencing the fullness of grace? [18:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Galatians 2:20 relate to the pastor's realization that Jesus fulfilled the law on his behalf? What does it mean for Christ to live in us? [08:59]
2. In John 1:14-17, how is the concept of grace and truth through Jesus Christ different from the law given through Moses? How does this shift impact our understanding of righteousness? [25:00]
3. Reflecting on Matthew 11:28-30, how does Jesus' invitation to rest challenge the idea of self-reliance in our spiritual journey? [33:39]
4. How does the pastor's story about the prisoner and the Ten Commandments illustrate the transformation of the law from a command to a promise through grace? [25:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in your spiritual journey. How might embracing grace help you move forward? [12:44]
2. In what ways have you experienced the pressure of performance-based faith? How can you remind yourself of the freedom that grace offers? [07:24]
3. How can you actively rely on your community to experience the fullness of grace in your life? What steps can you take to be more open to receiving help from others? [18:35]
4. Consider the areas in your life where you are trying to earn God's favor. How can you shift your perspective to see these areas through the lens of grace? [08:59]
5. How does understanding grace as a promise, rather than a command, change your approach to following God's law? [25:00]
6. Identify a specific burden you are carrying. How can you practically give this burden to Jesus and find rest in Him this week? [33:39]
7. Think about a weakness you tend to hide. How can you bring this weakness to Jesus and allow His grace to transform it? [32:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Over Performance
Grace liberates us from the burden of self-reliance.
Grace is a transformative force that shifts our focus from self-reliance to reliance on Christ. Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of performance, believing that their worth and salvation depend on their ability to adhere to a set of rules and behaviors. This mindset can lead to spiritual exhaustion and a sense of inadequacy. However, grace teaches us that Jesus has already fulfilled the law on our behalf, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. This understanding allows us to live in the freedom of Christ, knowing that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His grace. Embracing this truth can lead to a more authentic and joyful spiritual journey. [07:24]
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you begin to rely more on His grace today?
Day 2: The Power of Grace to Unstick Us
Grace offers freedom from self-condemnation and empowers change.
Life often presents us with challenges that can leave us feeling stuck, whether due to personal failures, grief, or unmet expectations. In these moments, grace acts as a divine force that unsticks us, offering a way out of the cycle of self-condemnation and into the freedom of living in Christ. Grace is a promise that we are not alone in our struggles, and that Jesus is with us, regardless of our failures or successes. This understanding of grace is crucial for those who feel trapped in their spiritual journey, as it provides a path to healing and transformation. By embracing grace, we can experience the freedom and empowerment to change and grow in our faith. [12:44]
"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: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel stuck. How can you invite God's grace into this situation to help you move forward?
Day 3: The Role of Community in Grace
Community is essential for experiencing the fullness of grace.
The journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone. Just as the body of Christ is interconnected, we need each other to experience the fullness of grace. God often uses others to help unstick us from our struggles, reminding us that we are not meant to journey alone. Embracing community allows us to experience the grace of God in tangible ways, as we support and encourage one another in our spiritual walk. By being open to the help and guidance of others, we can grow in our understanding of grace and deepen our relationship with God. [18:35]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support and encouragement in your spiritual journey? How can you also be a source of grace for others?
Day 4: Grace as a Promise, Not a Command
Grace transforms the law from a demand to a promise.
The law, once a source of condemnation, becomes a promise through grace. Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, transforming it from a list of demands into a promise of freedom. This shift in perspective allows us to live in the assurance that we are righteous in Christ, not by our own efforts. Grace invites us to rest in the completed work of Jesus, freeing us from the pressure to earn our righteousness. By embracing grace, we can experience the joy and peace that come from knowing that we are fully accepted and loved by God. [25:00]
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Romans 10:4, ESV)
Reflection: How does viewing the law as a promise rather than a demand change your understanding of your relationship with God?
Day 5: Embracing Weakness Through Grace
God's strength is revealed in our vulnerability.
God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Instead of hiding our weaknesses, we are invited to bring them to Jesus, who delights in taking them and transforming them through His grace. This vulnerability allows us to experience the fullness of His strength and love. By acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's grace, we can find freedom and strength in our spiritual journey. Embracing our weaknesses can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and a more authentic relationship with Him. [32:18]
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one weakness you have been hiding from God? How can you bring it to Him today and allow His grace to transform it?
Quotes
1) "But, you know, that's God's grace, isn't it? And I found Him, but what my problem was, that I'd set the bar too high, and I felt, even though I understood grace, I understood what it was to be saved by grace, I thought I needed to I thought I needed to add to that, and save myself with my own behaviour, and my own standards, and, you know, keeping up the right works, the right behaviour. And then I found myself, funny, isn't it? Failing. Anybody relate to that? Anybody got, have I got a few, I've got a few hands. You're a pretty holy bunch." [07:24] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "And when I want to talk about being unstuck by grace, it's that sense that we can get stuck with our belief system that is expecting too much of ourselves. But feeling it is still up to us, we get saved by grace and then we have to behave, right? Then we have to make sure that we read the Bible enough, that we have to pray enough, that we tithe, that we do enough ministry, that we get to all the services. And this balance. Behaviour structure sort of comes in place where we're moving constantly between feeling really quite, well, haven't I done well? To being, well, I missed, I didn't tick that box. I didn't get that merit point." [08:59] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off so my question is has grace got you has grace got you have you been unstuck by grace unstuck from trying to save yourself" [12:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We get stuck. We get stuck in pain, we get stuck in grief, we get stuck in circumstances, relationships, difficulties, vocations, jobs. We can feel very stuck with with God stuff, we can get stuck, can't we, with church stuff, we can get stuck with oh the heavens are feeling like brass, I don't feel God anymore, we can get stuck, you know, I as car father, daddy was not going to let her stay stuck he was going to have to go and unstick her and it's the same with God when you're stuck he comes and he'll unstick you if we invite him to." [18:35] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The Jews were focusing on keeping the law, that was their focus, and as I've shared this morning, that was my focus, that's what I was being brought up to believe right through my childhood. And then I filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of about 23 and gone into ministry and gone into Bible college and all of that, but within me was still that seed of keep the law, keep the law, keep the law. I remember going through my bible and marking in in the psalms about all the rewards of the righteous and I thought I had to be righteous myself in my own efforts, not understanding that righteousness was a gift and it clearly says that in Romans, the gift of righteousness, that's grace, that's grace, that's what he's given to us, it's a gift, you can't be righteous in yourself, goodness gracious, who's kidding who, you know, we just can't be here." [24:07] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "God's delights in taking our weaknesses. He wants our witnesses. We tend to hide them away like, you know, Adam and Eve going off and hiding from God. We hide them away. And Jesus is saying, I came for them. They're actually mine. Will you stop denying me what's mine? Please give me. You know, I used to say to my ricketing folk, you know, who remembers the worst thing they ever did? Who remembers? And quite a few hands would go up because they're a pretty, you know, they were a challenged lot. They're a great lot. Anybody here remember the worst thing they ever did? Got a few, few hands, few disappointments? Well, I'll tell you something. You've got a better memory than God because he's forgotten your sins." [32:18] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The more religion we have, the harder it is to get unstuck by grace. The more painful it can be, the more desperate we can feel. Because religion says I can save myself if I jump high enough. And we get into a pattern of performance. Of working harder, of trying harder, of trying to be good enough, and sometimes we have to fall flat on our face. to actually understand that just we just cannot do it we just cannot do it but you know right now God's grace is being poured out and he's saying to you you are free in Jesus name Amen amen" [37:59] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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