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The Two Sides of Grace: Freedom from Sin vs. License to Sin
Grace is not merely a get-out-of-jail-free card; it is a transformative force that empowers us to live in accordance with our true identity as children of God.
This discussion delves into the profound implications of grace, contrasting positional righteousness—our legal standing before God—with practical righteousness, which reflects how we live out that standing in our daily lives. The hosts explore how grace awakens us to our need for change, equips us for good works, and transforms our desires from within.
The hosts highlight eight specific effects of grace that enable us to walk in authority and dominion, emphasizing that true grace leads to empowerment rather than passivity. Ultimately, the episode underscores that rejecting grace can lead to spiritual stagnation, while embracing it opens the door to a life filled with purpose, healing, and victory.
Takeaways:
- Grace is not merely a free pass; it’s a transformative force for our lives.
- Understanding grace helps us move from sin to righteousness, reflecting our true identity.
- Rejecting grace leads to spiritual stagnation and hinders our relationship with God.
- True grace empowers us to live righteously, aligning our desires with God's will.
- Grace equips us for good works, making us agents of change in the world.
- The ultimate goal of grace is to help us experience full transformation and victory.
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Transcript
Ever get the feeling that some people use grace like a get out of jail free card?
Speaker B:Oh, yeah.
Speaker A:You know what I mean?
Speaker A:Like, hey, I'm forgiven, so anything goes.
Speaker A:Now.
Speaker A:It's kind of tricky to wrap your head around.
Speaker B:Right?
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:So that's what we're diving into today.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker A:What grace really means and how it empowers us, especially as Christians.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:You know, to walk in that authority and dominion we have.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker A:Is kind of our focus today.
Speaker B:It's interesting that both of the sources we're looking at, you know, Glenn Blakeney's post on his Kingdom Reformation website and then that sermon on Kingdom Community tv, they both really highlight this tension.
Speaker B:This whole idea of.
Speaker B:Is grace dynamite or is it a permission slip?
Speaker A:Oh, that's such a good way to put it.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:Because if we get this wrong.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:We miss out on the true power of it, you know?
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker A:So let's jump right in.
Speaker A:Both sources use Jude, chapter one, verse four, as a starting point.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:And they warn against those who twist God's grace into a license for immorality.
Speaker B:It's like saying, okay, Jesus forgives me, so now I can just keep sinning and there's no consequences.
Speaker B:Yeah, but that's a really dangerous and distorted view of what grace is.
Speaker A:It makes me think of, you know, like those courtroom scenes we see in movies sometimes where the judge slams that gavel down and says, not guilty.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:And that's kind of like what theologians call positional righteousness.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker B:That's a great analogy.
Speaker B:It's like because of what Jesus did.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:We're declared righteous in God's eyes.
Speaker B:But that's just the first part.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Our sources emphasize that grace, it isn't passive.
Speaker B:It doesn't just leave us where we are.
Speaker A:So there's more to it.
Speaker A:There's more to it than just being declared not guilty.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:There's this other dimension called practical righteousness.
Speaker B:It's like, okay, you've been acquitted, but now you have to live a life that actually reflects that new reality.
Speaker A:I see.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker A:So positional righteousness is our legal standing before God.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:And practical righteousness is how that plays out in our everyday life.
Speaker B:You got it.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:It's about the transformation of our character and our actions.
Speaker B:And this is where this whole analogy of the pedagogue comes in.
Speaker A:A pedagogue?
Speaker A:That sounds kind of intimidating.
Speaker B:Well, in ancient Greece, a pedagogue was like this trusted guide or mentor, often a slave, actually, who was responsible for a child's education and moral Development.
Speaker B:They didn't just teach facts.
Speaker B:They shaped character.
Speaker A:So are you saying that grace is.
Speaker B:Like our spiritual pedagogue precisely guiding us, shaping us to be more like Christ?
Speaker B:Think about Titus, chapter 2, verses 11 and 12.
Speaker B:It says, for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:So that's grace and action.
Speaker A:So it's not either.
Speaker B:It's both hand.
Speaker A:We have this amazing position in Christ.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:And we're being empowered to live it out.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker A:That's cool.
Speaker B:And this is where things get really exciting.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Romans, chapter 1, verse 16 calls the gospel the power of God for salvation.
Speaker B:The Greek word for power there is dunamis.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Which is where we get the word dynamite.
Speaker A:Wow.
Speaker A:I love that.
Speaker A:Grace is dynamite.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:It's not just a gentle nudge.
Speaker A:It's an explosive force.
Speaker A:That's it for transformation.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:That's powerful.
Speaker B:And both sources highlight eight specific ways that this dynamite of grace empowers us to walk in our authority and dominion as Christians.
Speaker B:But before we get to those, let's pause for a second and make sure we're all on the same page here.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Does this distinction between positional and practical righteousness make sense?
Speaker A:It's clicking for me.
Speaker B:Okay, good.
Speaker A:Yeah, it really is.
Speaker A:It feels like we're moving beyond just like a theoretical understanding of grace to something that's much more tangible and powerful.
Speaker B:That's exactly it.
Speaker A:It's like grace is this incredible gift that not only sets us free from the penalty of sin.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:But it also empowers us to break free from sin's grip altogether.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker B:And that's what makes this deep dive so important.
Speaker B:It's about discovering how grace equips us to live a life that reflects our true identity as sons and daughters of the king.
Speaker A:Okay, I'm ready to hear about these eight dynamite effects of grace.
Speaker B:All right, let's do it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:All right.
Speaker B:So we've established that grace, it's not just about forgiveness.
Speaker B:It's about transformation.
Speaker B:It's about walking in the fullness of our identity.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:You know, as children of God, empowered to reign in life through Christ.
Speaker A:So it's like we're not just pardoned criminals, we're royalty.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker A:Who've been given everything we need.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:To rule and reign.
Speaker B:That's it.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:And these eight effects of grace we're about to unpack really highlight this dynamic.
Speaker B:You know, it's about moving from a position of defeat to victory, from being slaves to sin to becoming overcomers through the power of Christ.
Speaker A:I'm ready.
Speaker A:Let's hear about these eight dynamite effects.
Speaker B:The first three really work together to set us free from sin's grip.
Speaker B:The first one is awakening to our need for change.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:True grace doesn't sugarcoat our sin.
Speaker B:It exposes it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:You know, it shines a light on those areas where we're falling short.
Speaker B:Not to condemn us, but to show us where we need his transforming touch.
Speaker A:It's like that moment when you see yourself in a mirror with, like, really harsh lighting.
Speaker A:You might not like what you see at first, but it reveals those imperfections that you might have missed otherwise.
Speaker B:That's a great way to put it.
Speaker B:It's not about wallowing in guilt shame.
Speaker B:It's about recognizing our need for a savior.
Speaker B:It's about humility, which opens the door for grace to do its work.
Speaker A:So we become aware of our need.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:And that leads us to the second effect.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:The second effect is rejecting ungodliness.
Speaker B:As we become more aware of our need for change, Grace empowers us to say no to sin and to turn away from those things that are hindering our walk with God.
Speaker A:So it's not just about feeling bad about our mistakes.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:It's about actively choosing a different way of life.
Speaker B:Precisely.
Speaker B:And that's where the third effect kicks in, Empowering us to live righteously.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Grace doesn't just give us a not guilty verdict.
Speaker B:It gives us the ability to live a life that reflects God's righteousness.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:It's about walking in obedience, not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us.
Speaker A:I'm starting to see a pattern here.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:It's like grace breaks the chains of sin and then empowers us to live in the fullness of our new identity in Christ.
Speaker B:You're exactly right.
Speaker A:Wow.
Speaker B:And that leads us to the next three effects, which are all about empowering us to walk in our authority and dominion as believers.
Speaker B:The fourth effect is equipping us for good works.
Speaker B:Grace doesn't just change us internally.
Speaker B:It equips us to make a difference in the world around us.
Speaker A:So it's not just about personal transformation.
Speaker A:It's about being agents of God's grace in the world.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker B:Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10 puts it beautifully.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:It says, for we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do so.
Speaker B:Grace doesn't just save us.
Speaker B:It sends us out to be his hands and feet.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:You know, to bring his love and light to a hurting world.
Speaker A:That's incredibly powerful.
Speaker B:It is.
Speaker A:It's like we're given a divine assignment.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:A purpose that's bigger than ourselves.
Speaker B:You got it.
Speaker B:And we're fully equipped to carry it out.
Speaker A:Wow.
Speaker B:You know, grace gives us the gifts, the talents, the resources we need to fulfill his calling on our lives.
Speaker B:Now the fifth effect takes us even deeper.
Speaker B:It's transforming our desires from within.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:True grace doesn't just modify our behavior.
Speaker B:It changes our hearts.
Speaker A:So it's not about gritting our teeth and trying harder.
Speaker A:It's about a genuine shift in what we long for.
Speaker A:Yes.
Speaker A:And desire.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:It's about aligning our desires with God's desire so that we naturally gravitate towards those things that please him and bring him glory.
Speaker A:That makes so much sense.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:When our hearts are transformed, our actions will naturally follow.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:And that leads to the sixth effect, delivering us from sin's dominion.
Speaker B:Grace breaks the chains of sin, sets us free to live in the fullness of God's design.
Speaker B:You know, we're no longer slaves to our old habits and patterns.
Speaker B:We're free to walk in true freedom and victory.
Speaker A:It's like we've been given a new operating system.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:We're no longer running on that faulty programming of sin.
Speaker B:That's right.
Speaker A:We're empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that's pleasing to God.
Speaker B:That's a fantastic analogy.
Speaker B:You know, we're not just patched up, we're made brand new.
Speaker B:No, the last two effects really speak to the healing and wholeness that grace brings.
Speaker A:Tell me more about those.
Speaker B:The seventh effect is healing our wounds.
Speaker B:Grace doesn't just forgive our sins.
Speaker B:It heals the brokenness that sin has caused in our lives.
Speaker B:It mends our hearts, restores our souls, and brings wholeness to every part of our being.
Speaker A:That's so powerful.
Speaker A:It's like God's grace is this balm.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:That soothes and restores our deepest hurts.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:And finally, the eighth effect.
Speaker B:Breaking Satan's influence.
Speaker B:Grace dismantles the enemy's schemes and empowers us to stand firm against his attacks.
Speaker A:But grace isn't just about making us feel good.
Speaker B:No.
Speaker A:It's about giving us the strength and authority.
Speaker B:That's right.
Speaker A:To overcome the darkness.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker B:It's the ultimate weapon in spiritual warfare.
Speaker A:This is incredible stuff.
Speaker B:It is.
Speaker A:It seems like grace is this all encompassing power.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:That truly equips us to walk in our authority and dominion as Christians.
Speaker A:It's not just about escaping hell.
Speaker A:It's about experiencing heaven on earth, living a life of victory and purpose.
Speaker B:That's a beautiful way to put it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:But as powerful as this is, you know, the flip side is that rejecting grace has serious consequences.
Speaker B:Okay, we'll dive into that when we come back.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:For the final part of our deep dive.
Speaker B:All right, stay with us.
Speaker A:Welcome back to our deep Dive into Grace.
Speaker A:We've been talking about how it's not just a free pass, you know, but it's dynamite for transformation, equipping us to walk in authority and dominion that we have as Christians.
Speaker A:But before the break, you were hinting at the flip side.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:What happens when we choose to ignore or reject this gift?
Speaker B:Yeah, that's.
Speaker A:That's pretty sobering to think about.
Speaker B:Yeah, it really is.
Speaker B:Because essentially rejecting grace means choosing to live under our own power, relying on our own strength and wisdom instead of God's.
Speaker A:Okay, so it's not just missing out on some blessings.
Speaker B:It's more than that.
Speaker A:There are real repercussions.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker B:Both the Kingdom Reformation post and the Kingdom Community TV sermon.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:They both really emphasize that rejecting grace leads to spiritual stagnation.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:We stop growing, we become more susceptible to temptation, and we can even fall back into those old patterns of sin.
Speaker A:It's like trying to run a marathon with no training or proper fuel.
Speaker B:Oh, that's good.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:You might start strong, but you're going to hit a wall.
Speaker B:You're going to crash.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And potentially injure yourself.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:And spiritually, it can be even more damaging.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:The sources point out that when we reject grace, we also miss out on experiencing the fullness of God's presence, you know, in our lives.
Speaker B:That intimate connection, that sense of his guidance and strength, it starts to fade.
Speaker A:So it's not just outward behavior, it's about our relationship with God.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:It's about recognizing that we need Him.
Speaker B:We can't do this life on our own.
Speaker B:Grace, it's not just a doctrine.
Speaker B:It's a lifeline.
Speaker B:And when we reject it, we cut ourselves off from the very source of our true life and strength.
Speaker A:That makes me think about Jesus.
Speaker A:Words in John, chapter 15, verse 5.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker A:He says, I am the vine, you are the branches.
Speaker A:He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:So it's like we're designed to be connected to him, to draw life and nourishment from that relationship.
Speaker B:That's a perfect illustration.
Speaker B:And when we try to go it alone, you know, relying on our own efforts instead of his grace, we inevitably wither and become less fruitful.
Speaker A:So as we wrap up this deep dive, I think the big takeaway here is that grace is not just an abstract theological concept.
Speaker A:It's the key to living a truly empowered and transformed life.
Speaker A:Walking in that authority and dominion.
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker A:That's rightfully ours as children of God.
Speaker B:Beautifully said.
Speaker B:It's about embracing that truth that we are loved, accepted and empowered by God not because of anything we've done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
Speaker A:Yes.
Speaker B:It's about living from a place of rest and confidence, knowing that his grace is sufficient for us and for you.
Speaker A:Dear listener, if this has sparked a desire to dig deeper.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:To really walk in the fullness of that grace empowered life.
Speaker A:We have some incredible resources.
Speaker B:We do.
Speaker A:To help you.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:Becoming a paid subscriber unlocks our leaders learning sessions.
Speaker A:Yes.
Speaker B:Exclusive posts, study guides, assessments, and more.
Speaker A:That's awesome.
Speaker B:It's all designed to equip you to truly live out out these truths.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:To experience that transformation and walk in your God given authority.
Speaker A:So don't settle for a surface level understanding of grace.
Speaker A:Dive deep, embrace its power and let it revolutionize your life from the inside out.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:True grace is dynamite.
Speaker A:I love that.
Speaker B:It's not just a theological idea.
Speaker B:It's a force that can set you free and empower you to live a life beyond your wildest dreams.
Speaker A:Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the transformative power of grace.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:Thanks for being here.
Speaker A:We'll see you next time.
