The Gift of God
Key Takeaways
Our condition is worse than we think: We are spiritually dead, enslaved to the world, the devil, and the flesh.
God's love is greater than we imagine: God made us alive with Christ, raised us, and seated us with him.
Salvation is 100% God's work: We are saved by the gift of grace through faith, which is something we can’t earn or perform.
We are God's masterpiece: We're saved to walk in good works that God prepared beforehand.
The Gospel Waltz: Christian life involves three steps: Repent, Believe, and Obey.
Study Questions
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Paul describes three slave masters that hold us in spiritual bondage: the world, the devil, and the flesh. Which of these three do you find most difficult to recognize in your own life, and why?
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David Foster Wallace said, "Everyone worships. The only choice we have is what to worship." What are some things our culture worships? What about you personally? What do you find yourself turning to for meaning or security?
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John quotes pastor and professor Jack Miller reminding us to "Cheer up! You are far worse than you think." and "Cheer up! You are far more loved in Christ than you could ever imagine." How does holding both of these truths together change the way you approach your own sin and brokenness?
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The concept of God's wrath is described as his refusal to compromise with evil. How does this understanding of wrath differ from common cultural perceptions, and why is it actually good news?
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The City Museum illustration shows how God transforms discarded things into something beautiful. What parts of your story or identity do you view as trash that God might be transforming into His workmanship?
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The "Gospel Waltz" has three steps: Repent, Believe, Obey. Which of these three steps do you tend to skip or minimize? What happens when you do?
Repent & Believe only (no Obey) = License
Repent & Obey only (no Believe) = Moralism
Believe & Obey only (no Repent) = Legalism
The Gospel Waltz
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please join us for our Sunday Morning Class, “Whole-Life Discipleship,” every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the 9 a.m. worship service.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 103:19-22
Leader: The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
All: Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #15
Q: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?
A: That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.
Confession of sin
Most merciful God, we confess we have not walked in the good works you prepared for us.
We have tried to walk without repenting — unwilling to let the gospel diagnose what drives us.
We have tried to walk without believing — striving in our own strength with no gospel underneath.
We have tried to walk without obeying — treating grace as permission to remain unchanged.
Forgive us, and empower us to walk to your glory. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend and join us next week as we continue our sermon series with Ephesians 2:11-22.