Show Notes
What If the Christian Life Isn't About Fixing Yourself? What if some of the things you've been told to do as a Christian… Jesus never asked you to do at all? Become more holy. Die to yourself. Examine your heart. What if you've been working to fix what God already fixed? This message blows up religious assumptions and points you back to the finished work of Christ. You're not becoming who God wants; you're discovering who He already made you! Discussion Questions: Read Colossians 1:21–22. Is holiness something you're trying to achieve, or something Christ has already accomplished for you? How does this change the way you see yourself? Read Romans 6:6–7. What does Paul say has already happened? What difference can this make in your battle with sin? Read Colossians 3:9–10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. What's the difference between trying to "improve" your old self and learning to live from your new self? Read Galatians 5:24. Does Paul tell believers to crucify the flesh, or does he say something different here? Why is this distinction important? Read Galatians 5:16. What solution does Paul actually give us here? How does it work? Read Ezekiel 36:26 and Romans 6:17. What do these passages suggest about the believer's heart? How does this truth challenge popular religious teaching on the heart? Read Hebrews 10:16 and 2 Corinthians 3:3. God has written on our hearts rather than merely giving us external rules to follow. How might this change the way we make decisions and live life?
More from The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley
I want to know the Bible better and be able to hear what Jesus is telling me about my life. Were Adam and Eve both guilty of disobeying God? What was the result? Can you explain 1 John 1:9 again? And what about repentance like we see in Revelation with the churches? Isn't repentance still biblical?
How do you confront an unbelieving friend involved in habitual sin? I've been hunting for a job for a long time. What should I do? My friends reject my explanation of 1 John 1:9. Is there a way that I can explain it better?
I was arrested and now nobody at my church will talk to me. I've lost my family, my friends, and everything! What can I do? I had a long-term affair, and now I struggle with the memories of it. What can I do?
Did Jesus Really Give You His Glory? Discussion Questions: Read John 16:13-14. Whom is the Holy Spirit hearing from? About what? Why is this important? Read John 16:15. What are the 'all things" the Holy Spirit is disclosing to you? Read John 17:20. How do we know this prayer is not just for Jesus' disciples? Read John 17:21. What does it mean to you to be "one"? And to be "in Us"? How does this truth compare to popular messages about our closeness to God? Read John 17:22. React to this statement: Jesus has given me His glory. Read John 17:22. First, how close is Jesus to the Father? Now, what does this verse say about you? Read John 17:23. What is Jesus' testimony here concerning how loved you are? What does it mean to you to hear this from Jesus Himself? Read John 17:24. React to this statement: I'm a gift from the Father to Jesus. Read John 17:24. In what way has this prayer request been fulfilled? (Hint: Consider Ephesians 2:6 in your answer.)
Why does the deity of Christ matter so much? How does union with Christ change our whole perspective? Can you talk about grace for salvation and grace after salvation? What does it mean to be complete in Christ? What is the gift of tongues? Are there two types of tongues?