Breaking Sin’s Power
Mike Smith
April 28th, 2024
Eph. 4:20-24; Romans 16:19-20
“Two natures beat within my breast. One is foul and one is blessed. One I love and one I hate. The one I feed will dominate.” —–Anonymous
A common distortion is “cheap grace”: Pursuing
not
Because of grace, my
- Sin is no longer my
- Sin no longer
- Sin no longer gets
Grace is God’s
CP Group Discussion Questions
1. Understanding Grace and Transformation: Ask a volunteer to read Ephesians 4:20-24. What it means to “put on the new self”? Likewise, what does it mean to “put off” or “take off” your old self?
2. Distortion of Grace: Mike referenced Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s phrase “cheap grace” to describe a desire for forgiveness, but not reconciliation with God and others? Why is reconciliation so critical in the life of a Christ-follower?
3. Changed Desires: Ask a volunteer to read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ezekiel 36:26. How have your desires changed since becoming a follower of Christ? Share a personal story where you noticed a significant change in what you truly wanted or valued.
4. Authority Over Sin: Romans 6:12-13 speaks about sin not “calling the shots” anymore. Can someone share a time when they felt empowered by grace to overcome a temptation that previously would have defeated them?
5. The Ongoing Battle: Considering Romans 8:28-29, discuss how God uses everything, even sin and failure, for our ultimate good and His glory. How does this perspective help you in your ongoing battle against sin?
6. Grace as Power: Reflect on the imagery of God’s “serpent-crushing power” in Romans 16:19-20 and Colossians 1:13-14. How have you experienced God’s power working in and through you to overcome sin and evil in your daily life?