How are you going to live?

I. Living by human effort means life under a curse!

* Man's decision caused the curse; God's decision reversed the curse!

  1. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written,"Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith." However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who practices them shall live by them? (Galatians 3:10-12).
  2. It is written, "There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one" (Romans 3:10-12).
  3. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all (James 2:10).
  4. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16, 17).

II. Living by faith in Jesus brings God's blessings!

* Merit system = best man can do; Faith system = best God has done!

  1. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13, 14).
  2. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
  3. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul (Hebrews 10:37-39).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, November 3rd, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"How are you going to live?"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Thinking about our final destination is more important than just our temporary direction. How can your Life Group inspire greater focus on eternity while still being present in this life?

Getting Started:

  1. What do you think of when you hear about blessing and curses?
  2. How many blessings are you enjoying and how many blessings are you passing on?

Discussing Truths:

  1. Why do so many people focus on human efforts and accomplishments to gain approval with God?
  2. What does understanding the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as our curse do to inspire greater devotion to Him out of love?
  3. How did God reverse the curse of the law?
  4. How does Isaiah 53 describe the incredible sacrifice that Christ became for us?
  5. When we live life under God's blessing, we can become a channel of blessing to others with our words (James 3:8-10; Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 3:29). How are your words blessing others (Luke 6:27, 28)?
  6. Do you know we can look forward to no more curse during our Millennial kingdom reign with Christ and for all eternity (Zechariah 14:9-11; Revelation 22:3-5)?
  7. What are some of the blessings of God that you appreciate most? Take time daily to thank Him for His gracious promises and abundant blessings!

Now What? Application

  1. How can you break the cycle of failure in human striving to be holy and instead grow in humble, dependent faith in our Lord?
  2. Will you pray every day for God to fill you with His Holy Spirit? That is how you will enjoy God's blessing and be a channel of His blessings to others (1 Peter 3:8, 9).