Sunday, April 7, 2024
Have you ever felt like you have to keep up with a bunch of rules to make God happy? Are you feeling a little burned out by what you think it means to be a Christian?
God doesn’t want sacrifices or offerings (Psalm 51:16-17). He wants you to realize your need for the relationship he offers you as a gift through Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
This week, invite God to open your eyes to what he wants to teach you about the freedom he offers through a relationship with Christ. Set aside any distractions. Close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you identify where you’ve mistakenly believed the Christian faith is a list of rules and to help teach you about the easy yoke he offers.
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking I have to earn your forgiveness. But you offer this freely through Christ, not based on anything that I have done or could do. Help me understand and live into this freedom you offer, and help me grow into a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
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Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: What is one question you would ask God?
What makes grace a challenging concept for many people?
Read Luke 5:27-32. What do you learn about Jesus in this passage?
Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What do you think living from God’s grace looks like?
What is one way you can develop your relationship with God and live from his grace?
This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.