Post Tenebras Lux--After Darkness, Light--The Meaning of Grace (Pastor Tony)
GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
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POST TENBRAS LUX --- (AFTER DARKNESS, LIGHT) The Meaning of Grace
PASTOR TONY
Group Discussion Guide
(Choose the best question(s) for your group)
November 19, 2017
Questions by Pastor Ric
TEXTS: James 2:14-19; Galatians 2:16; 1 JN 3:1; EP 2:8, 9; RO 3:20-24; RO 4:13-16a; HE 9:11-15
Theses #36 “Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.”
Theses #37 “Any true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the church; and this is granted him by God, even without indulgence letters.”
Theses #66-68 “The treasures of indulgences are nets with which one now fishes for the wealth of men. The indulgences which the demagogues acclaim as the greatest graces are actually understood to be such only insofar as they promote gain. They are nevertheless in truth the most insignificant graces when compared to with the grace of God and the piety of the cross.”
Grace Defined: “Unmerited Favor” (Gruden) “Underserved acceptance and love” (Hohman)
- The Bible defines the love of money (1 TI 6:10) (consumerism) as the root of all evil. Specifically, how did indulgences violate two biblical principles re: money and Grace? Consumerism is the secular religion of our contemporary culture. Discuss this in light of how it relates to what the biblical view of money is. How do we decide how much is too much? How do we model and teach these principles to our kids?
- We need God’s Grace because our efforts always fall short (GA 2:16; RO 3:20-24). While that fact is clear, we sometimes have a hard time accepting what God’s Grace has accomplished on our behalf. Who we are in Christ because of His Grace is amazing (1 JN 3:1). Why do you think so many Christ-followers struggle with low self-esteem and low self-confidence?
- If we believe the lies (His promises of Grace cannot be true) of the enemy, we live in bondage. If we believe the truth regarding God’s work of Grace on our behalf, we live in freedom (GA 5:1). What lie(s) are you believing about about yourself that is covered with God’s Grace? Be specific (as you are comfortable), and share some things that keep you from living a live of freedom in Christ. How can we break those chains?