A new creation (B)
The difference between Law and Grace
The Law in the Old Testament states the do’s and don’ts by which people tried hard to get right with God.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, the Gospel of Grace, does not emphasize what we must do for God, but what He has already done for us. This is different from all religions, like Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and others.
Hebrews 7:18-19 says 18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Romans 8:3-4 says 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Question 1
Explain why the Law was weak and useless.
Somebody said: “Grace is something for nothing, for those who don’t deserve anything”. To be saved by grace means we are saved by the love-inspired actions of God, not by our own efforts.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:23). 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Question 2
What are the “rewards” of sin vs. belief in Jesus?
The following passages point us to (1) living under the Law, (2) living by the gift of Grace, or (3) a combination of both.
Read Romans 7:7-14.
Question 3
What does the Law do to us?
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For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14).
Titus 2:11-12 says 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Grace is manifested in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He, the Holy Spirit, is the grace of God in us. He causes us to walk in a different way as He renews our minds (Romans 12:1-2) and directs our lives. Grace has brought us into a living, love-relationship with Him. We’ll find a growing love for Jesus.
Question 4
What has the grace of God through Jesus brought you?
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Read Galatians 3:1-5
Question 5
Having begun in the Spirit, the Galatians tried to make a combination of Law and Grace. Is that appealing to you?
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Christians have radically changed by the work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says we are new creations. We have a renewed heart and a renewed spirit. We are born-again. We are righteous. We hate sin.
Therefore, the apostle John says: No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God (1 John 3:9). If we are foolish enough to sin again, we can confess our sin, repent, and find mercy (1 John 1:9).
If we are victorious to reject temptations to sin: We are more than conquerers through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
Question 6
Describe below in the box, how you personally defeat temptations. Do you do that with God in prayer? Does the Lord hear you and help you to be victorious?
Question 7
Describe your identity, both your old identity and your new identity. What is the difference since you live in faith?
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Close in prayer. Use 1 Peter 1:13-16 as your prayer frame.