BIG IDEA

God’s grace forgives, frees, and fulfills.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT: 

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 NLT

The absolute beauty of grace is that these verses are true, whether or not you feel them. There is no condemnation for those in Christ. Even the condemnation you put on yourself doesn’t stick to you.

That is the grace of God to forgive you of your sins.

When it comes to grace, Forgiveness is just the beginning.

SO WHAT:

“And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:2 NLT

Grace forgives us, but grace also frees us.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Grace forgives. Grace brings freedom from sin. All because God has a new life in him that he wants you to have.

Grace forgives, frees, and finally, grace fulfills. Grace starts with forgiveness but moves you forward in freedom and fulfillment.

NOW WHAT:

If you want more, here’s a simple way you can start: Eyes up.

A key to unlocking more grace in your day to day is to get your eyes up.

• The prayer of “God, I’m so sorry.” Is still about you and what you have done. Grace is all about being wowed by what Jesus has done.

• "Eyes up" moves more of your prayers from God I’m so sorry. To “God I’m so thankful for you.” and to, “God give me the grace to do that."

• Getting your eyes up on God is getting more grace in.

• If you want to move forward in grace, try spending a little less time on what you’ve done and a little more time on what he’s done. In other words pursue him. Ask him for his grace. Try praying this:

  • “God I need your grace to help me.”

  • “God I need your grace, because I want to move forward.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: When have you felt stuck?

Q2: Where do you want to see more grace “on the front end”?

Q3: When it comes to forgiveness, freedom, and fulfillment, are there any of those that are tough to trust God with?

Q4: What “eyes up” prayer is needed in your life right now to move forward in God’s grace?