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Falling From Grace

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. GALATIANS 5:1, 4-6 NIV

Why grace is so important:

Grace is why we have a relationship with God

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 NIV

Grace is how we maintain a relationship with God

Grace is what every real relationship needs

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 ESV

How to know when we have fallen from grace:

When I think I am better than I am

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 NIV

When I hold onto my opinions and let go of relationships

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. ROMANS 14:1 ESV

When I would rather be right than reach the other person 

To the weak I became weak, that I might win against the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22-23 ESV

When I can’t forgive and move on

How to keep from falling from grace:

Ask Jesus for his grace

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. HEBREWS 4:16 ESV

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. REVELATION 22:21 ESV

Hold onto Jesus and let go of bitterness

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; HEBREWS 12:15 ESV

Look for opportunities to love people that I disagree with

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? GALATIANS 3:1 ESV

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 PETER 3:18 ESV

Speak words of grace to people filled with hate

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 ESV

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. PHILIPPIANS 1:2 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take several slow deep breaths in and out, releasing the burdens of the day. As you do this, invite God into this time, asking him to provide an honest assessment of your current state of grace: How much grace do you show to yourself? How much grace do you have for others (especially those who don’t seem to deserve it)? Spend time writing your thoughts below. Are there any areas of pain that surface as you do this? Invite God into these, asking for his healing—or perhaps for his forgiveness—over these areas. End your time by inviting God’s grace into your life, receiving it with a spirit of thankfulness.

Discussion Questions

  1. LEADER’S NOTE: Take the first 5-10 minutes of group time to have everyone do the Personal Reflection Guide (linked on the sermon notes). You may want to set a timer, play some soft music, etc. Once you notice people finishing up, transition to group discussion time with a short prayer, then open by asking people to share what that experience was like, if they feel comfortable.
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Where have you personally experienced God’s grace in your life? (We would encourage you to be vulnerable here!)
  3. REAL WITH GOD: In what areas of your life do you struggle with bitterness? Perhaps it’s toward others? Maybe towards God? What would it look like to fully receive God’s grace in this area?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: Read Romans 14:1. Where have you held more tightly to opinions than relationships? How might your lack of grace be hurting your relationships?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: What would it look like on a practical level to show God’s love to those in your life who seem filled with fear or hate?
  6. TAKE ACTION: Read Hebrews 4:16. Spend some time as a group praying together out loud. Pray for specific areas where you need God’s grace in your life: Where do you need to receive grace? Where do you need to give more grace to others? What would it look like to live out this passage? Have someone close the prayer time by asking God for his grace over your group, over their work, their families, and their relationships.