Free to Fail

Conversation Starters

╬    Hebrews 11 says that Abraham was saved not by works but by his faith in the promises of God. Jesus Himself says to the Pharisees, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56). Do you see the breathtaking work of Christ, dying in your place to bring you near to God? When you are tempted to revert to a life of rule-following and outward behaviors in order to stay close to God, how can you re-orient your thoughts to embrace the freedom and sonship that Jesus purchased for you? 

╬  The false teachers troubling the Galatians were using Scripture to place harsh demands on the church, putting them back under the guardianship and slavery of the law. As parents, grandparents, teachers, and leaders we may be tempted to exert control over others in similar ways. In your relationships, do you implicitly or explicitly demand that others “measure up” to your standards? Do you overemphasize outward behaviors in your children? Do you unintentionally preach a “Jesus + Rules = Salvation” gospel to those in your care? In what ways does your own gospel message need to be corrected?