Building Grace-Filled Relationships

Why God knows we need the law

If there is only grace in our view of God the diffuse suggestion of a boundary allows us to drift into distructive, though comfortable autonomy. With only a view of grace we see ourselves as a kinder more enlightened and reasonable ruler of our kingdom. Without accountability to the law, God's truth becomes a suggestion and God our peer.- Ron Poole

Sin - breaking the law

Sin - going back to false comfort

Porn, Popularity, Success

Grace - Putting on is still painful too. Holiness is not simply being on the right side of a list of do’s and don’ts

People’s responses

Your inadequacies

Life (Loss, Challenge, Change)

This is why we enter a grace-based thankful relationship with Christ not the rule-based one. These 3 things help us through the challenge:

1. Resting in Christ’s peace

His sovereignty, trust in His Father, redemption

We’re not at war

Philippians 4:4–8 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Romans 12:14–21 ESV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be thankful you’re not at war

Relationships and rules

2. Submit to and Share Scripture

With all wisdom

Making a chair

Singing songs

singing daily

In families

roles you play

again we’re not at war, in fact, we have the chance to bless one another

Purpose to Represent Christ

purpose/ ground

learning community sharing life together

Community Groups, ABFs

Next steps:

Will you sustain your growth in grace?

Community Group questions

What have you been thankful for this week about Christ’s gift to you?

Why is going back to sin’s comfort ultimately painful? Why do we struggle with it?

What hope do we have as we put to death sin?

Why is putting on who you are in Christ painful at times as well? How would you encourage a family member if they are feeling this struggle?

How does resting in Christ’s peace help with the struggle of living in grace?

How does sharing Scripture help with that struggle?

In what ways can you live out more of your life to represent Christ?