From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Introduction + Where do I Stand with God? (1|2)
Pages 11-17
Romans 6:8-11 (NIV) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
John 8:31-32 (NIV) “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Ephesians 1:7-14 (NIV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
How does being “secure in Christ” and experiencing inner transformation by grace shape our approach to spiritual growth differently from striving to look righteous outwardly, as the Pharisees did?
Do we live as if Christ’s sacrifice fully covers our sin, or do we sometimes act like we need to “earn back” God’s favor?
How can we move from simply memorizing Scripture to allowing it to take root in our hearts and truly transform the way we think, feel, and live?
Can you recall a time when a truth from Scripture went from being something you knew to something that genuinely shaped your attitude or decision? What made that shift happen?
Have you ever compared your struggles to others and felt disqualified or unloved by God as a result? What helped restore your confidence in His grace?