Would you say you have been successful at living the Christian life? Many understand that salvation is by grace but mistakenly think they are “kept saved” through good behavior. Dr. Stanley explains how even good actions can become a form of bondage and the freedom of living daily by grace.
Sermon Outline
As believers, we’re under grace, but learning to live fully in it takes time. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley explains the meaning of law and of grace and how to live in the most God-pleasing way.
Key Passage: John 1:14-17
Supporting Passages: John 14:15; John 14:21; John 15:24-25; Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:24; Galatians 5:1-3; Galatians 5:13-15; 1 Timothy 1:8-11
According to Scripture, our three choices are to live under the influence of sin, under the burden of the Law, or under grace. The first two are lifestyles of bondage. The third is freedom.
►“I did everything I knew how to do. And over and over, I found myself failing.”
Law vs. grace (John 1:14-17):
The law is part of the Old Testament, given through Moses (v. 17).
Grace is part of the New Testament, realized through Christ (v. 17).
Once we’re saved by grace, it’s still common to try to live by the law. But doing so leaves us enslaved to our sin and focused on our outward actions rather than the state of our heart.
Trying to live by the law is a poor substitute for living under the sufficiency of grace.
►“The Ten Commandments were never given in order to make us good or holy.”
The Ten Commandments …
Are part of God’s moral law. The Old Testament also included civil and ceremonial law.
Were given to the people of Israel to prepare them for the Messiah.
Still matter today, as a means of showing us our sin problem.
Expose the true condition of our heart.
Cannot declare us righteous or forgiven (Rom. 3:20).
Provide us with knowledge of sin (v. 20).
Reveal our inability to be acceptable to God on the basis of our own effort.
Can play a vital role in leading us to total dependence on Christ for salvation. (See Gal. 3:24).
Did not save even the Old Testament followers of God; their faith made them righteous.
Will never reconcile us to God (2:16) but are an essential part of drawing us to Him.
► “People become godly by falling in love with Jesus.”
Grace is …
God’s kindness toward us without regard to merit.
Our release from guilt, the penalty of sin, and the law.
Not freedom to do anything, but freedom to be what God wants.
A catalyst to live righteously out of love, not fear (5:13-15).
Where we move from dependence on self to dependence on Christ.
Exemplified by Jesus (John 1:14).
Showered upon us after salvation, in the form of God’s favor (v. 16).
God’s love in action—sometimes as chastisement.
Not rules and regulations but Christ living within us and expressing His life through us.
A call to freedom, not a license to sin (Gal. 5:13).
After Watching
What role have the Ten Commandments played in your growth as a Christian? Did Dr. Stanley’s explanation of their purpose give you new insight into their value?
Are there areas in your life where you’re trying to live by the law rather than under grace?
