What About Grace?
Intro.
Main Point: Grace is revolutionary. It's God's initiative, not our achievement. We often slip into thinking we can earn God's favor, confusing obedience (a response to grace) with works-righteousness (an attempt to earn grace). Verses to explore:
John 15:5 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Weekly Application:
Self-Reflection: Where in your life do you feel pressure to earn God's approval? What specific actions or attitudes reveal this tendency?
Honest Assessment: Be honest with yourself: Do you sometimes treat your Christian life like a checklist of things to do, rather than a relationship with a loving Father?
Contrast Study: Spend some time this week researching a different religion (like Hinduism, as mentioned in the sermon, or Islam, Buddhism, etc.). Focus on their concept of salvation or enlightenment. How does it compare to the Christian understanding of grace?
Prayer Focus: Pray for discernment to recognize the difference between genuine, Spirit-led obedience and legalistic striving. Ask God to reveal areas where you're relying on your own efforts instead of His grace.
The Authority of Grace
(Galatians 1:1-2) Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
Summary: Paul asserts his apostleship is directly from God, not from human appointment or credentials. This directly challenges the Judaizers who questioned his authority. He emphasizes his message is rooted in the resurrected Christ.
Key Idea: True spiritual authority comes from God, not human approval or accomplishment. This foundation is crucial for understanding grace.
Weekly Application:
Source of Worth: Where do you derive your sense of worth and identity? List the things that make you feel "good enough" (e.g., job title, possessions, relationships, spiritual activities). Are these sources ultimately rooted in God's grace or in something else?
Authority in Your Life: Who or what are the primary authorities you listen to when making decisions? Do these authorities align with God's Word and the principles of grace?
Support System: Identify the people in your life who affirm your walk with God and encourage you in truth. Reach out to one of them this week and thank them for their support.
Journaling: Write about a time when you felt God's authority and power working in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of grace?
The Gift of Grace
(Galatians 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Summary: Paul's greeting, "Grace to you and peace," is a theological statement. Grace precedes peace; it's the cause, and peace is the effect. This is the opposite of the legalistic view, which puts works before grace.
Key Idea: Grace is the foundation of our relationship with God. Peace is a result of receiving grace, not a prerequisite for it.
Weekly Application
Order of Operations: Reflect on the order: grace, then peace. How does understanding this order impact your approach to prayer, worship, and daily life?
Experience of Peace: Think about times when you've experienced true peace with God. Can you trace those moments back to an understanding or experience of His grace?
Grace Inventory: Take some time to list specific ways God has shown you grace in your life – both big and small. This could include forgiveness, provision, guidance, relationships, etc.
Gratitude Practice: Each day this week, start your day by thanking God for a specific instance of His grace in your life.
The Action of Grace
(Galatians 1:4-5) who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Summary: Jesus gave Himself to rescue us from "the present evil age." This was God's plan, deserving of all glory. Legalism attempts to escape the world through works, but Christ has already delivered us through His sacrifice.
Key Idea: Our deliverance is a completed work of Christ, not something we achieve through our own efforts.
Weekly Application:
Self-Rescue Attempts: In what areas of your life are you trying to "save yourself" instead of trusting in Christ's finished work? (e.g., controlling outcomes, seeking approval, battling addiction without surrender).
Defining Legalism: Discuss the three aspects of legalism presented: working in our own power, working according to our own rules, and working to earn God's favor. Which of these do you struggle with most?
Impact of Legalism: How has legalism (either your own or that of others) negatively affected your relationship with Christ and your experience of His grace?
Worship Focus: Spend time in worship this week, focusing solely on the glory and majesty of God, and thanking Him for the deliverance He has provided through Jesus.
These study notes are designed to be a starting point. The goal is to move beyond simply hearing the sermon to actively engaging with the Word and allowing it to transform your life throughout the week.
