Title: Pleasing God vs. Earning Favor
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00:25 - Spiritual Practices Without Adding to the Gospel
04:22 - Are You Pursuing Confession or Hiding?
06:50 - How Does Pleasing God Differ from Earning Favor?
10:25 - Is Our Relationship with God Based on Joy or Duty?
13:24 - What's Next?
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* **Galatians 2:12** — “For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.”
* **Galatians 2:13** — “And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.”
* **Galatians 2:14** — “But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?’”
* **Galatians 3:10** — “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’”
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This conversation explores the heart behind spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and obedience. The danger is not just in sinful actions but in adding good practices to the gospel as a way of earning God’s approval. Legalism, cheap grace, and what the pastors call “half grace” all miss the truth of Galatians: believers already have God’s undeserved favor through Jesus. From that starting point, disciplines become life-giving ways to glorify God, not guilt-driven attempts to secure His love. The discussion highlights the difference between pleasing God with joy and trying to appease Him through performance, encouraging listeners to pursue practices motivated by love, celebration, and rest in His grace.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
