Show Notes
Are You Trying to Become What You Are? What if much of the pressure Christians feel comes from trying to accomplish what Jesus already finished? In this message, Andrew exposes religious ideas about begging for forgiveness, keeping "short accounts" with God, and becoming more righteous. Your sins aren't partially forgiven, and righteousness isn't something you're working toward. Jesus canceled the debt and made you righteous. Discover why you can stop making payments, stop condemning yourself, and start resting in Christ's finished work. Discussion Questions: Read Colossians 2:13–14. If God has already forgiven us all our sins, what does that say about the idea that forgiveness has to be obtained again every time we fail? Read Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13. Do we forgive others in order to get God to forgive us, or because He's already forgiven us? How does knowing this distinction change the reason and the way we forgive other people? Read 1 John 2:12. Why do you think John speaks of forgiveness as an accomplished fact? How does this help us recognize what's really happening in often misused passage, 1 John 1:9? Read Hebrews 8:12 and 10:17. What does it mean practically to live as though God truly remembers your sins no more? What do we do when we sin? Be specific. Read Romans 5:19. According to this verse, what made us righteous? And how should that shape the way we see ourselves? Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What is the difference between saying God merely treats us "as if" we are righteous versus saying that in Christ we've actually become the righteousness of God? Read Romans 6:18. What does it mean that believers have been freed from sin and have become slaves of righteousness? How does that challenge the idea that our identity is still sinful? Read Hebrews 10:10 and 10:14. How can believers be "sanctified" and even "perfected for all time" yet still continue to grow in their attitudes, choices, and behavior? Read 1 Corinthians 1:2. Why is it significant that Paul calls the Corinthians "sanctified" and "saints" even though they still had serious behavior problems?
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?