We often try to control our behavior through the means of the law. We impose rules and restrictions or set goals for ourselves in order to spur us on toward growing in the Christian life (think Bible study plans, commitments to giving, etc.). But often, if we succeed we feel prideful; if we fail we feel condemned. Have you ever tried to control a bad habit or sinful pattern by imposing restrictions or rules? How did it go?
Paul says in Galatians, "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? ...Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (3:2-3) What might the Spirit have to do with changing our behavior? What about faith?
In the sermon, we talked about how we often fail to curb our bad habits and sinful patterns. Part of the problem is that we are focused on the law rather than on grace. How might focusing on God's grace sanctify us?
Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things (i.e. the needs of life) will be provided to you." How does seeking the kingdom of God first impact our life of sanctification (being formed into the image of Christ)?
Have there been any times in your life where you were so focused on God and his kingdom that your bad habits or sinful patterns seemed to disappear (for a time)?
top of page
Search
Recent Posts
See AllWhen we started this podcast, it was all about figuring out how to pray. But what I hope you’ve seen along the way is that, while prayer is simple it’s also infinitely rich. And that’s because God him
570
If you’ve been listening this week, you’ll remember that we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the image of God and about how we’re supposed to prioritize God. In fact the purpose of mankind is to g
350
It’s an odd thing to say that prayer is reminding God. It’s odd because—well, doesn’t God know all things? How could we remind him of anything? If you didn’t know, God’s primary way of relating to his
450
bottom of page