January Series Study Guide - Day 3
Spiritual disciplines are not about trying to be good enough to merit something from God. They are not ways to get extra credit or show Him how deeply committed you are to Him. Spiritual disciplines are not some barometer that we can use to measure our walk with Jesus. Spiritual disciplines only have value insofar as they help us to grow in our love of God and love of others. Spiritual disciplines don’t oppose grace but are rather means of growing in the grace and life that God offers us.
Read Ephesians 2:8-10
Q: What are the different ways people try to earn their salvation? Have you ever, or do you struggle with this? Why is it hard for us to see salvation as a gift, instead of something we can earn through our efforts?
Q: How does seeing my salvation as a gift & not a paycheck change the way I live?
Q: How does living the Christian life as a response to this gift change my motivation?
Q: How does legalism (dependence on moral law rather than on personal faith) minimize my view of my own sinfulness? How does it cheapen God’s grace?
Q: What are the different things that motivate your “good works”? What are the dangers of these motivations? How does grace motivate us?
Paul said, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Turn that statement around, “Without the grace of God I would be
Now reverse it and finish this statement, “ By the grace of God I am