From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Grace to live a godly life (3|3)
Pages 111-119
Galatians 6:1-10 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
John 6:35-40 (NIV) “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
Ephesians 5:8-17 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
(Putting on, Putting off, page 111) How can understanding ourselves as “emancipated children of light” bring freedom instead of pressure? What practical steps help you “adapt your lifestyle” to God’s presence and live as a child of light, especially when you still feel the pull of temptation?
How does Galatians 6 help us understand the balance between bearing one another’s burdens and carrying our own “load”? What does this teach us about personal responsibility and Christian community?
When have you experienced the blessing of others helping you carry a burden, or had the opportunity to do the same for someone else?
How might your attitude or behavior at work change if you consciously viewed each task as an offering to God?
Why do you think cynicism is so common in today’s workplaces, and how can Christians model a different spirit, one marked by honesty, humility, and generosity?